Real-time violations and safety monitoring system on autonomous vehicles

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are platforms for determining a real-time human behavior analysis of an unmanned vehicle by a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicles through infrastructure recognition and assessment. The platforms determine a real-time parking status for a plurality of parking locations, a platform for detecting a traffic violation by a manned vehicle at a roadway location, and a platform for monitoring security of a physical location.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/534,929, filed Jul. 20, 2017, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles is a growing fieldof innovation. Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles are being usedfor many purposes including warehouse inventory operations, householdvacuuming, hospital delivery, sanitation, and military or defenseapplications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein is a platform for determining a real-time parking statusfor a plurality of parking locations, the platform comprising: aplurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicles, eachautonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle comprising: one or moresensors configured to collect a first sensed data corresponding to aparking location; and a communication device; and the platform furthercomprising a processor configured to provide an application comprising:a database comprising the plurality of parking locations; acommunication module receiving the first sensed data via thecommunication device; and a parking spot recognition module (1) applyinga parking assessment algorithm to determine the real-time parking statusof the parking location based at least on the first sensed data, and (2)transmitting the parking status to the database.

In some embodiments, the platform is further configured to detect aparking violation, wherein: the parking location is associated with atleast one parking regulation; and the application further comprises aviolation detection module applying a violation assessment algorithm todetect the parking violation based at least on the parking location, theat least one parking regulation associated with the parking location,and one or more of: the first sensed data, and the real-time parkingstatus of the parking location. In some embodiments, the platform isfurther configured to identify the manned vehicle, wherein: the one ormore sensors are further configured to collect a second sensed datacorresponding to an identification of a manned vehicle associated withthe parking location; the communication module further receives thesecond sensed data via the communication device; and the applicationfurther comprises a vehicle identification module applying a vehicleidentification algorithm to identify the manned vehicle based at leaston the second sensed data. In some embodiments, the processor configuredto provide an application further comprises a vehicle identityidentification module applying a vehicle identification algorithm toidentify the manned vehicle based at least on one or more of: thelicense plate number, a VIN number, a make, a model, or a placardassociated with the manned vehicle. In some embodiments, the parkinglocation comprises a GPS coordinate, a unique parking spot identifier,an area defined by three or more coordinates, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the parking regulation comprises a meterrequirement, a time period, a placard or permit requirement, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the parking violationcomprises parking in an illegal spot, parking in an expired spot, anexpired parking meter, an expired parking term, a missing placard orpermit, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the parkingassessment algorithm comprises a machine learning algorithm, arule-based algorithm, or both. In some embodiments, at least one of theparking assessment algorithm and the violation assessment algorithmcomprises a machine learning algorithm, a rule-based algorithm, or both.In some embodiments, the second sensed data corresponding to theidentification of the manned vehicle comprises a license plate number, aVIN number, a make, a model, a placard, or any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the vehicle identification algorithm comprises amachine learning algorithm, an optical character recognition algorithm,a rule-based algorithm, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,at least one of the autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehiclescomprises the processor and the application. In some embodiments, eachof the autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicles comprises theprocessor and the application. In some embodiments, the platform furthercomprises a remote server in communication with one or more of thevehicles, wherein the remote server comprises the processor and theapplication. In some embodiments, the platform further comprises a datastorage receiving and storing at least one of the first sensed data, theparking location, the parking status, and the parking violation. In someembodiments, the platform further comprises a data storage receiving andstoring at least one of the first sensed data, the second sensed data,the parking location, the parking status, the identity of the mannedvehicle, and the parking violation. In some embodiments, the platformfurther comprises a user interface allowing an administrative user toconfigure the database comprising parking locations and parkingregulations. In some embodiments, the user interface is a graphic userinterface or an application programming interface. In some embodiments,the platform further comprises a user interface allowing anadministrative user to configure the parking assessment algorithm. Insome embodiments, the platform further comprises a user interfaceallowing an administrative user to configure the parking assessmentalgorithm, the violation assessment algorithm, or both. In someembodiments, the platform further comprises a user interface allowing anadministrative user to configure the parking assessment algorithm, theviolation assessment algorithm, the vehicle identification algorithm, orany combination thereof. In some embodiments, the user interface allowsthe administrative user to configure the parking assessment algorithm byuploading algorithm rules, algorithm criteria, or both. In someembodiments, the user interface allows the administrative user toconfigure the parking assessment algorithm or the violation assessmentalgorithm by uploading algorithm rules, algorithm criteria, or both. Insome embodiments, the user interface allows the administrative user toconfigure the parking assessment algorithm, violation assessmentalgorithm, or vehicle identification algorithm by uploading algorithmrules, algorithm criteria, or both. In some embodiments, the platformfurther comprises an alerting module transmitting a notification to anenforcement agent, wherein the notification comprises at least one of:the parking location, the at least one parking regulation associatedwith the parking location, the first sensed data, and the second senseddata. In some embodiments, the platform further comprises an alertingmodule transmitting a notification to an enforcement agent, wherein thenotification comprises at least one of: the parking location, the atleast one parking regulation associated with the parking location, thefirst sensed data, the second sensed data, and the identification of themanned vehicle associated with the parking location. In someembodiments, the one or more sensors comprises a camera, a video camera,a LiDAR, a RADAR, a microphone, a light sensor, a tactile sensor, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the communication devicecomprises a Wi-Fi communication device, a cellular communication device,a Bluetooth communication device, a wired communication device, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the manned vehicle comprises acar, a truck, a motorcycle, a van, a bus, a golf cart, a limousine, autility vehicle, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thesecond sensed data corresponding to the identification of the mannedvehicle comprises a license plate number, a VIN number, a make, a model,a placard, or any combination thereof.

Another aspect provided herein is a platform for detecting a trafficviolation by a manned vehicle at a roadway location, the platformcomprising: a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicles,each autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle comprising: one or moresensors configured to collect a first sensed data corresponding to theroadway location, a second sensed data corresponding to a behaviorassociated with the manned vehicle, and a third sensed datacorresponding to an identification of the manned vehicle; and acommunication device; and the platform further comprising a processorconfigured to provide an application comprising: a database comprising aplurality of roadway locations, each roadway location associated with atleast one roadway regulation; a communication module receiving at leastone of the first sensed data, the second sensed data, and the thirdsensed data via the communication device; a driving behavior assessmentmodule applying a manned driving assessment algorithm to determine adriving behavior of the manned vehicle associated with the roadwaylocation, based at least on the first sensed data, the second senseddata, or both; a traffic violation detection module applying a trafficviolation assessment algorithm to detect a traffic violation associatedwith the manned vehicle and the roadway location, based at least on oneor more of the driving behavior, the roadway location, the roadwayregulation, the first sensed data, the second sensed data, and the thirdsensed data; and an alerting module transmitting a notification to anenforcement agent, wherein the notification comprises at least one ofthe driving violation, the driving behavior, the roadway location, theroadway regulation, the first sensed data, the second sensed data, andthe third sensed data.

In some embodiments, the traffic violation comprises an expired licenseplate, a license plate wanted by law enforcement, an illegal turnviolation, a speeding violation, a red light violation, a stop signviolation, a yield sign violation, a signaling violation, a passingviolation, a U-turn violation, a median violation, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the roadway regulation comprises a speedregulation, a stoplight regulation, a yield regulation, a passingregulation, a U-turn regulation, a median regulation, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the manned drivingassessment algorithm and the traffic violation assessment algorithmcomprise a machine learning algorithm, a rule-based algorithm, or both.In some embodiments, the first sensed data comprises a GPS coordinate, aunique roadway identifier, an area defined by three or more coordinates,or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the roadway locationcomprises a street address, a street name, a cross street, a parkinglot, a highway, a street, a boulevard, a freeway, a tollway, a bridge,or a tunnel. In some embodiments, the second sensed data correspondingto a behavior associated with the manned vehicle comprises a vehiclespeed, a vehicle acceleration, a vehicle deceleration, a vehicle lanechange, a vehicle turn, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the third sensed data corresponding to the identification of the mannedvehicle comprises a license plate number, a VIN number, a make, a model,a placard, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, at least oneof the vehicles comprises the processor and the application. In someembodiments, each of the autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehiclescomprises the processor and the application. In some embodiments, theplatform further comprises a remote server in communication with one ormore of the vehicles and wherein the remote server comprises theprocessor and the application. In some embodiments, the platform furthercomprises a data storage receiving and storing at least one of the firstsensed data, the second sensed data, the third sensed data, the roadwaylocation, the driving behavior, and the traffic violation. In someembodiments, the platform further comprises a user interface allowing anadministrative user to configure the database comprising roadwaylocations roadway regulations. In some embodiments, the user interfaceis a graphic user interface or an application programming interface. Insome embodiments, the platform further comprises a user interfaceallowing an administrative user to configure the manned drivingassessment algorithm, the traffic violation assessment algorithm, orboth. In some embodiments, the user interface allows the administrativeuser to configure the manned driving assessment algorithm or the trafficviolation assessment algorithm by uploading algorithm rules, algorithmcriteria, or both. In some embodiments, the user interface is a graphicuser interface or an application programming interface. In someembodiments, the one or more sensors comprises a camera, a video camera,a LiDAR, a RADAR, a microphone, a light sensor, a tactile sensor, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the communication devicecomprises a Wi-Fi communication device, a cellular communication device,a Bluetooth communication device, a wired communication device, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the manned vehicle comprises acar, a truck, a motorcycle, a van, a bus, a golf cart, a limousine, autility vehicle, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thethird sensed data corresponding to the identification of the mannedvehicle comprises a license plate number, a VIN number, a make, a model,a placard, or any combination thereof.

Another aspect provided herein is a platform for monitoring security ofa physical location by an autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle,the platform comprising: a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomousland vehicles, each autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehiclecomprising: a sensor configured to record a media corresponding to thepremises; an autonomous or semi-autonomous land propulsion system; and acommunication device; a server processor configured to provide a serverapplication comprising: a server communication module receiving amonitoring request generated by a user, wherein the monitoring requestcomprises a monitoring location and a monitoring time; a dispatch moduleinstructing the autonomous or semi-autonomous land propulsion system ofat least one of the semi-autonomous land vehicles based on themonitoring request; and a server communication module receiving themedia via the communication device; and a client processor configured toprovide a client application comprising: a request module allowing theuser to generate the monitoring request; and a display module displayingthe media to the user.

In some embodiments, the media comprises video an image, a sound, ameasurement, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, eachautonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle further comprises a filterprocessor. In some embodiments, at least one of the server processor,the client processor, and the filter processor further comprises afilter database comprising a plurality of media filters. In someembodiments, the plurality of media filters comprises a motion detectionfilter, a human detection filter, a proximity detection filter, anencroachment detection filter, a loitering detection filter, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the monitoring request furthercomprises one or more of the media filters. In some embodiments, theserver application further comprises an assessment module applying afiltering algorithm to the media based on the one or more media filters,to form a filtered media. In some embodiments, the display moduledisplays the filtered media to the user. In some embodiments, themonitoring location comprises a residential building, a commercialbuilding, a parking lot, a park, a sports arena, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the monitoring time comprises a timeperiod, a time interval, a start time, an end time, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the monitoring time is a recurring time.In some embodiments, the client application comprises a web application,a mobile application, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the one or more sensors comprises a camera, a video camera, a LiDAR, aRADAR, a microphone, a light sensor, a tactile sensor, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the communication devicecomprises a Wi-Fi communication device, a cellular communication device,a Bluetooth communication device, a wired communication device, or anycombination thereof.

Another aspect provided herein is a vehicle fleet, comprising aplurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle operatingautonomously or semi-autonomously and a fleet management module forcoordination of the vehicle fleet, the fleet management modulecoordinating the activity and positioning of each autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle in the fleet, the fleet configured to monitor,collect and report data and capable of operating in an unstructured openor closed environment, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in thefleet comprising: a conveyance system; a power system; a navigationmodule for navigation in unstructured open or closed environment; atleast one communication module adapted to transmit data from eachautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to at least one of: the fleetmanagement module, a user, and/or other autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles in the fleet, and to receive instructions from the fleetmanagement module or a user; a sensor system comprising a plurality ofsensors configured to detect the environment around the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle; at least one processor configured to manage theconveyance system, the power system, the navigation module, the sensorsystem, and the at least one communication module; and to assess thedata provided by the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle sensors as itrelates to the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle's navigation.

In some embodiments, the user comprises: a fleet manager, asub-contracting vendor, a service provider, a customer, a businessentity, a government entity, an individual, or a third-party. In someembodiments, the fleet management module is controlled by a user. Insome embodiments, the unstructured open environment is a non-confinedgeographic region accessible by navigable pathways comprising one ormore of: public roads, private roads, bike paths, open fields, openpublic lands, open private lands, pedestrian walkways, lakes, rivers,streams, and open airspace; and wherein the closed environment is aconfined, enclosed or semi-enclosed structure accessible by navigablepathways comprising one or more of: open areas or rooms withincommercial architecture, with or without structures or obstaclestherein, airspace within open areas or rooms within commercialarchitecture, with or without structures or obstacles therein, public ordedicated aisles, hallways, tunnels, ramps, elevators, conveyors, andpedestrian walkways. In some embodiments, the navigation system controlsrouting of the conveyance system of each autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle in the fleet in the unstructured open or closed environments.

In some embodiments, the communication occurs via wireless transmission.In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle isconfigurable to receive wireless transmissions from the user. In someembodiments, the user's wireless transmission interactions occur viamobile application and are transmitted by an electronic device andforwarded to the at least one communication module via one or more of: acentral server, the fleet management module, and a mesh network. In someembodiments, the vehicle fleet wireless transmission interactions fromeach autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle communication module areforwarded to the user or a plurality of users via: a central server; afleet management module; and/or a mesh network. In some embodiments, thevehicle fleet wireless transmission interactions from each autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle communication module comprise one or more of:road and pathway conditions, road and pathway information; trafficspeed, traffic congestion, weather conditions, parking violations,public utility issues, street light issues, traffic light issues, thecurrent state of street lighting and traffic lighting; pedestriandensity, pedestrian traffic, animals, alternative vehicular traffic,area surveillance, waterway conditions, bridge inspection, internal andexternal structural inspection, and foliage inspection.

In some embodiments, the electronic device comprises one or more of: asmart phone; a personal mobile device, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and awearable computing device. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensorscomprises one or more of: a still camera, a video camera, a perspectiveprojection-type sensor, a microphone, an infrared sensor, a RADAR, aLiDAR, an altimeter, and a depth finder. In some embodiments, the sensorsystem further comprises conveyance system sensors configured to:monitor drive mechanism performance, monitor a power system level, ormonitor a drive train performance. In some embodiments, said sensors arefurther configured to report sensor readings remotely to the fleetmanagement module through the at least one communication module. In someembodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle furthercomprises a storage or memory device, wherein data collected from thesensor system is retrievably stored. In some embodiments, eachautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle further comprises a communicationsport for wired communication between the autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle and an external digital processing device.

In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle furthercomprises a software module, executed by the at least one processor, toapply one or more algorithms to data collected from the plurality ofsensors to assess and store to the memory device, one or more of: roadand pathway conditions, road and pathway information; traffic speed,traffic congestion, weather conditions, parking violations, publicutility issues, street light issues, traffic light issues, the currentstate of street lighting and traffic lighting; pedestrian density,pedestrian traffic, animals, alternative vehicular traffic, areasurveillance, waterway conditions, bridge inspection, internal andexternal structural inspection, and foliage inspection. In someembodiments, the at least one communication module is further configuredto receive and respond to commands from the user to: select or changedestinations for monitoring, select or change the order of destinationsmonitored, select or change the routing to destinations to be monitored,report geo-positioning of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle,report a condition of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, reporta speed of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, or report an ETAfor arrival at a destination. In some embodiments, each autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle is configured with a maximum speed range from 13mph to 90 mph.

In some embodiments, said vehicle fleet is controlled directly by auser. In some embodiments, a plurality of said autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles within the fleet is operated on behalf of athird-party vendor or third-party service provider. In some embodiments,a plurality of said autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles within thefleet is further configured to be part of at least one sub-fleetcomprising a sub-plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles,each sub-fleet configured to operate independently or in tandem with thefleet. In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicleis configured with a forward mode, a reverse mode, and a park mode. Insome embodiments, a plurality of the autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles in the fleet is configured as secondary autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles having at least one half the size of the otherfleet autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, wherein the smallersecondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles are stand-alonevehicles having all of the same capabilities of any other autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle in the fleet. In some embodiments, the secondaryautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles are configurable for storage inone or more securable compartments found in a plurality of autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles in the fleet. In some embodiments, thesecondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles are separable from theautonomous vehicle and configurable for secondary duties.

In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle isconfigured with a “crawl” or “creep” speed comprising a speed rangebetween about 0.01 mph to about 13.0 mph. In some embodiments, thesecondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles are configured with amaximum speed range from 13.0 mph to about 90.0 mph. In someembodiments, the secondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles areconfigured with a “crawl” or “creep” speed comprising a speed rangebetween about 0.01 mph to about 13.0 mph. In some embodiments, thesecondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles are configured with asensor system comprising one or more of: a still camera, a video camera,a LiDAR, a RADAR, an ultrasonic sensor, a microphone, an altimeter, anda depth finder. In some embodiments, the secondary autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles are configured with internal computerprocessing capacity. In some embodiments, the secondary autonomousvehicles are configured with a forward mode, a reverse mode, and a parkmode.

Another aspect provided herein vehicle fleet, comprising a plurality ofautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles operating autonomously orsemi-autonomously and a fleet management module for coordination of thevehicle fleet, the fleet management module coordinating the activity andpositioning of each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in the fleet,the fleet configured to monitor, collect and report data and capable ofoperating in an unstructured open or closed environment, each autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicle in the fleet comprising: a conveyance system;a power system; a navigation module for navigation in the unstructuredopen or closed environments; at least one communication moduleconfigurable to transmit data from each autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle to at least one of: the fleet management module, a user, otherautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles in the fleet, between autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicles of the fleet, related to at least theconditions in the environment around the autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle; to store data from each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicleto a memory device; and to receive instructions from the fleetmanagement module or a user; a sensor system comprising a plurality ofsensors configured to detect the environment around the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle; at least one processor configured to manage theconveyance system, the power system, the navigation module, the sensorsystem, and the at least one communication module, and to assess thedata provided by the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle sensors as itrelates to the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle's navigation; and asoftware module, executed by the at least one processor, to apply one ormore algorithms to data collected from the plurality of sensors toidentify, document, and store to a memory device, one or more of: roadand pathway conditions, high definition map data, traffic speed, trafficcongestion, weather conditions, parking violations, public utilityissues, street light issues, traffic light issues, the current state ofstreet lighting and traffic lighting; pedestrian density, pedestriantraffic, animals, alternative vehicular traffic, area surveillance,waterway conditions, bridge inspection, internal and external structuralinspection, and foliage inspection.

This disclosure relates to an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet comprising a plurality of vehicles, in particular vehicles fortransporting or retrieving deliveries in either unstructured outdoorenvironment or closed environments. This disclosure further relates to avehicle fleet comprising a plurality of autonomous vehicles operatingautonomously or semi-autonomously and a fleet management module forcoordination of the vehicle fleet, each autonomous vehicle configuredto; monitor, collect and report data while capable of operating in anunstructured open or closed environment.

Provided herein is a vehicle fleet, comprising a plurality of autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicles and a fleet management module (associatedwith a central server) for coordination of the vehicle fleet. The fleetmanagement module coordinates the activity, location and positioning ofeach autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in the fleet, wherein thefleet is configured to monitor, collect, and report data while capableof operating in an unstructured open or closed environment.

In some embodiments, the vehicle fleet is alternately configured forselling and delivering goods; responding to scheduled orimmediate/on-demand requests and/or positioning based on anticipateddemand; comprising a plurality of compartments to deliver/sell one ormore goods; having temperature controlled compartments to allow for hot,cold items; carrying preloaded goods with anticipated demand based onwhere to go and what to load.

In some embodiments, the vehicle fleet is configured such that acustomer, user or a plurality of users are able to summon one or moreautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles through mobile(phone/tablet/watch/laptop) applications for specified delivery or formobile marketplace to come to them. In some embodiments, the customer, auser, or a plurality of users have the option to additionally specify anexact location on a map for the vehicle (e.g., by dropping pin, etc),for a specified delivery or pickup.

In some embodiments, the vehicle fleet is configured to provide one ormore services such as: delivery services, advertising services, landsurvey services, patrol services, monitoring services, traffic surveyservices, signage and signal survey services, and architectural buildingor road infrastructure survey services. In some embodiments, the vehiclefleet services comprise “White Label” services involving the delivery orrepresentation of “White Label” products or services.

In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in thevehicle fleet is equipped with at least one processor capable of both ahigh-level computing capacity for processing, as well as low-levelsafety critical computing capacity for controlling the hardware. In someembodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in the fleetcomprises a conveyance system; (e.g., a drive system with a propulsionengine, wheels, wings, rotors, blowers, rockets, propellers, brakes,etc.) and a power source.

In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in thefleet comprises a navigation module for navigation in the unstructuredopen or closed environments; (e.g., digital maps, GPS, etc.). In someembodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in the fleetcomprises at least one communication module adapted to transmit datafrom the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to at least one of: thefleet manager, a user, or other autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles.

In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in thefleet comprises at least one communication module configurable toreceive, store and transmit data to a user or plurality of users and theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles in the fleet; between theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles of the fleet and between the useror plurality of users and the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles inthe fleet, related to at least the conditions in the environment and thevehicle fleet interactions; a sensor system comprising a plurality ofsensors configured to assess the environment around the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle; at least one processor configured to manage theconveyance system, the power system, the navigation module, the sensorsystem, and the at least one communication module; and a softwaremodule, executed by the at least one processor to apply one or morealgorithms to data collected from the plurality of sensors to identify,document, and store to a memory device, one or more of: road and pathwayconditions; (damaged roads, pot holes); construction; road blockages;detours; traffic flow; traffic speed; traffic congestion; accidents;behavior of road users; weather conditions; parking violations; publicutility issues; street light issues; traffic light issues; the currentstate of street lights and traffic lights; signage issues; pedestriandensity/traffic; pedestrian behaviors; animals; or alternative vehiculartraffic (e.g., motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, wheelchairs, strollers,etc.); customer/pedestrian flow through an area; area surveillance;parking space utilization; bridge inspection; internal and externalstructural inspection; and foliage inspection.

In some embodiments, the surveillance applications are expandable toinclude detecting and/or recognizing people, vehicles, objects, movingobjects in certain areas, such as the number of cars in parking lot, thenumber of customers or people entering and exiting buildings, etc.

In some embodiments, the inspection applications are expandable toinclude businesses, offices, residences, buildings, and structureinspection. In some embodiments, the monitoring applications areexpandable to include business information such as: names of businesses,addresses, types of businesses, and real-time attributes like howcrowded businesses, parks, and shopping malls are at any given time. Insome embodiments, the data collected from the sensors are utilized toupdate HD maps and contextual maps, construction areas, road closures,road work, congested areas, etc. In some embodiments, the unstructuredopen environment is a non-confined geographic region accessible bynavigable pathways comprising: public roads; private roads; bike paths;pedestrian walkways; or open airspace. In some embodiments, the closedenvironment is a confined, enclosed or semi-enclosed structureaccessible by navigable pathways comprising: open areas or rooms withincommercial architecture, with or without structures or obstaclestherein; airspace within open areas or rooms within commercialarchitecture, with or without structures or obstacles therein; public ordedicated aisles; hallways; tunnels; ramps; elevators; conveyors; orpedestrian walkways.

In some embodiments, the navigation system controls routing of theconveyance system of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles in thefleet in the unstructured open or closed environments. In someembodiments, the communication to the user or plurality of users, to thefleet management module; to the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclesin the fleet, between the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles of thefleet and between the user or plurality of users and the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles in the fleet of the received, stored andtransmitted data, and the vehicle fleet interactions occurs via wirelesstransmission.

In some embodiments, the user's or plurality of users' wirelesstransmission interactions occur via mobile application transmitted by anelectronic device and forwarded to the at least one communication modulevia: a central server; a fleet management module; and/or a mesh network.

In some embodiments, the vehicle fleet wireless transmissioninteractions from each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclecommunication module are forwarded to a user or a plurality of usersvia: a central server; a fleet management module; and/or a mesh network.In some embodiments, the electronic device comprises: a phone; apersonal mobile device; a personal digital assistant (PDA); a mainframecomputer; a desktop computer; a laptop computer; a tablet computer;and/or a wearable computing device comprising: a communication headset;smart glasses; a contact lens or lenses; a digital watch; a bracelet; aring; jewelry; or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors comprise one or more of: astill camera; a video camera; a perspective projection-type sensor; amicrophone; an infrared sensor; an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor; aLiDAR sensor; an altimeter; and a depth finder.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles of thevehicle fleet further comprise conveyance system sensors configured tomonitor drive mechanism performance (e.g., propulsion engine); monitorpower system levels (e.g., battery, solar, gasoline, propane); ormonitor drive train performance (e.g., transmission, tires, treads,brakes, rotors, blowers, propellers, etc.).

In some embodiments, the sensors are further configured to transmitsensor readings remotely to the fleet manager via the at least onecommunication module. In some embodiments, the sensors are furtherconfigured to report sensor readings remotely to the user or pluralityof users through the at least one communication module. In someembodiments, the at least one communication module is further configuredto receive and respond to commands from the user or plurality of usersto; select or change destinations for monitoring, select or change theorder of destinations monitored, select or change the routing todestinations to be monitored, report geo-positioning of the autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicle, report condition of the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle (e.g., fuel supply, accidents, componentfailure), report speed of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, orreport ETA for arrival at a destination.

In some embodiments, the vehicle fleet is configured as land vehicles.In some embodiments, the land vehicle autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles in the fleet are configured with a maximum speed range from13.0 mph to about 90.0 mph.

In some embodiments, the land vehicle autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles in the fleet are configured with a “crawl” or “creep” speedcomprising a speed range between about 0.01 mph to about 1.0 mph. Insome embodiments, the land vehicle autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles in the fleet are configured with a “crawl” or “creep” speedcomprising a speed range between about 0.01 mph to about 5.0 mph. Insome embodiments, the land vehicle autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles in the fleet are configured with a “crawl” or “creep” speedcomprising a speed range between about 0.01 mph to about 10.0 mph. Insome embodiments, the land vehicle autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles in the fleet are configured with a “crawl” or “creep” speedcomprising a speed range between about 0.01 mph to about 13.0 mph. Insome embodiments, the land vehicle autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles in the fleet are configured with an operating speed range from0.01 mph to about 90.0 mph.

In some embodiments, the maximum speeds are dictated by the hardware andsoftware present in the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. In someembodiments, the maximum speeds allow for operation on open roads, bikepaths, and other environments where higher speeds are appropriate.

In some embodiments, the operating speeds in any given environment aregoverned by on-board the sensors that monitor environmental conditions,the operating environment, etc. to determine an appropriate speed at anygiven time.

In some embodiments of the fleet, a plurality of the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles comprises a secondary autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle, which is configurable as stand-alone vehiclescapable of functioning in a manner similar to any other autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle in the fleet.

In some embodiments of the fleet, the secondary autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles are components of the land vehicle, separablefrom the land vehicle and configured for secondary duties, such as:acquiring soil, water or air samples; acquiring close-up pictures;accessing small or confined areas that are too small for the largerautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to enter; transporting a componentor package from the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle on a street orsidewalk to a door, drop box or nearby secondary location. In someembodiments, the secondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles areconfigured for transporting a component or package to the entrance of abuilding or inside of a building.

In some embodiments, the secondary autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles are smaller land-based autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles.In some embodiments, the secondary autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles are aerial drones. In some embodiments, the secondaryautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles are water craft. In someembodiments, the secondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles aretransported in a storage compartment of the land vehicle autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, the secondary autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicles are transported on top of the land vehicleautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, thesecondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles are configured forautomated extraction from the storage compartment of the land autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, the secondaryautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles are configured for assistedautomated extraction from the storage compartment of the land autonomousvehicle, wherein the land autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle providesramps, platforms, or lifts to assist with the extraction of thesecondary autonomous vehicle from a compartment of the land autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicle.

In some embodiments, the secondary autonomous vehicles are configuredwith a maximum speed range from 1.0 mph to about 13.0 mph. In someembodiments, the secondary autonomous vehicles are configured with amaximum speed range from 1.0 mph to about 90.0 mph. In some embodiments,the secondary autonomous vehicles are configured with a “crawl” or“creep” speed comprising a speed range between about 0.01 mph to 1.0mph. In some embodiments, the land autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles in the fleet are configured with a “crawl” or “creep” speedcomprising a speed range between about 0.01 mph to about 5.0 mph. Insome embodiments, the land autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles in thefleet are configured with a “crawl” or “creep” speed comprising a speedrange between about 0.01 mph to about 10.0 mph. In some embodiments, theland autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles in the fleet are configuredwith a “crawl” or “creep” speed comprising a speed range between about0.01 mph to about 13.0 mph.

In some embodiments, the vehicle fleet is fully-autonomous. In someembodiments, the vehicle fleet is semi-autonomous. In some embodiments,the vehicle fleet is controlled directly by a user or plurality ofusers. In some embodiments, a plurality of said autonomous vehicleswithin the fleet is operated on behalf of a third-party vendor/serviceprovider. In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicles in the fleet areconfigured for land travel as a land vehicle. In some embodiments, theautonomous vehicles in the fleet are configured for water travel as awatercraft vehicle. In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicles in thefleet are configured for hover travel as an over-land or over-waterhovercraft vehicle. In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicles in thefleet are configured for air travel as an aerial drone or aerialhovercraft vehicle.

In some embodiments, a plurality of said autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles within the fleet is further configured to be part of asub-fleet comprising a sub-plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles, wherein each sub-fleet is configured to operate independentlyor in tandem with the vehicle fleet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view an autonomous vehicle fleet comprising twosub-fleets;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary autonomous vehicle beside awalking person, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of an exemplary autonomous vehicle, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of an exemplary autonomous vehicle beside awalking person, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a back view of an exemplary autonomous vehicle, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary fleet management control module,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary autonomous vehicle application, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 shows a non-limiting schematic diagram of a digital processingdevice; in this case, a device with one or more CPUs, a memory, acommunication interface, and a display;

FIG. 9 shows a non-limiting schematic diagram of a web/mobileapplication provision system; in this case, a system providingbrowser-based and/or native mobile user interfaces; and

FIG. 10 shows a non-limiting schematic diagram of a cloud-basedweb/mobile application provision system; in this case, a systemcomprising an elastically load balanced, auto-scaling web server andapplication server resources as well synchronously replicated databases;

FIG. 11 shows a non-limiting schematic diagram of a platform fordetermining a real-time parking status for a plurality of parkinglocations;

FIG. 12 shows another non-limiting schematic diagram of a platform fordetermining a real-time parking status for a plurality of parkinglocations;

FIG. 13 shows another non-limiting schematic diagram of a platform fordetermining a real-time parking status for a plurality of parkinglocations;

FIG. 14 shows a non-limiting schematic diagram of a platform fordetecting a traffic violation by a manned vehicle at a roadway location;and

FIG. 15 shows a non-limiting schematic diagram of a platform formonitoring security of a physical location by an autonomous orsemi-autonomous land vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, andcontractors are tasked with monitoring the status of the infrastructureto ensure that maintenance, safety, of public and private utilities,such manual inspections are costly and tedious given the vast expanse ofroadways, pathways, and buildings. Although aerial infrastructuremonitoring has been used to record and maintain agricultural andwilderness conditions, such manned systems are prohibitively expensivefor vast monitoring, and may not be configured for transportationthrough and inspection of ground level and urban infrastructure.Further, such infrastructure monitoring systems are incompatible toemploy and append current infrastructure databases and support listings.As such, provided herein is a platform for determining anon-navigational quality of at least one infrastructure.

Provided herein is an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleetcomprising a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclesoperating autonomously or semi-autonomously and a fleet managementmodule for coordination of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle configured to;monitor, collect, and report data while operating in an unstructuredopen or closed environment.

The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet herein may comprise aplurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles operatingautonomously and a fleet management module for coordination of theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet, each autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle within the fleet configured to; monitor, collectand report data while capable of operating in an unstructured open orclosed environment, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclecomprising, a conveyance system, a power system, a navigation module, asensor system, at least one communication module and at least oneprocessor configured to manage the conveyance system, the power system,the navigation module, the sensor system and the at least onecommunication module.

Fleet of Autonomous Vehicles

Provided herein, per FIG. 1 is an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet 100 comprising a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles 101.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet 100comprises at least a first sub-fleet of first fleet autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles 101 a and a second sub-fleet of second fleetautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles 101 b. Each sub-fleet maycomprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 50, 100, or more autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles 101. The two or more sub-fleets may operateindependently or in tandem.

In non-limiting one example of the operations of sub-fleets ofautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, an independent survey companyrents or leases a sub-fleet of 10 autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles101 which are partially or completely dedicated to the tasks and/orservices of the survey company. The sub-fleet may comprise a plurality“white label” vehicles displaying the logo of the survey company.

Autonomous or Semi-Autonomous Vehicles

As seen in FIGS. 2 to 5, the exemplary autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle 101 may be configured for land travel. The vehicle 101 may havea width of about 2 to about 5 feet. The vehicle 101 may further exhibita low mass, and a low center of gravity, or both, for stability.

In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 is configured to enable humaninteraction and/or override by a user or a fleet operator 200. Thevehicle 101 or the semi-autonomous vehicle 101 may be configured toallow for direct control of the processors, conveyors, or sensorstherein, by a fleet operator. Such direct control may allow for the safereturn of the vehicle 101 to a base station for repair. In someembodiments, the vehicle 101 comprises a plurality of securablecompartments 102 configured for transporting goods, equipment.

Further, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 may comprise aconveyance system configured to propel the autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle 101. The conveyance system may comprise, for example, an engine,a wheel, a tread, a wing, a rotor, a blower, a rocket, a propeller, abrake, a transmission, or any combination thereof. The conveyance systemmay further comprise a power system configured to provide and/or storeenergy required to propel the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101.

Per FIG. 3, the vehicle 101 may comprise a storage compartment 102. Insome embodiments, the storage compartment 102 comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 20, or more compartments 102, including incrementstherein. In some embodiments, the storage compartment 102 comprises anested storage compartment, wherein one storage compartment 102 islocated within another storage compartment 102. In some embodiments, thestorage compartment 102 may be configured to carry a specific item or arange of items. In some embodiments, the storage compartment 102 isconfigured to hold a secondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

Further, per FIG. 3, the vehicle 101 may comprise a sensor 301. Thesensor 301 may comprise one or a plurality of a still image camera, avideo camera, a LiDAR, a RADAR, an ultrasonic sensor, a microphone, analtimeter, and a depth finder. In some embodiments, the sensor 301comprises a conveyance system sensor configured to monitor at least oneof the performance, and the speed, of the conveyance system. Theconveyance system sensor may be configured to monitor power levels(e.g., battery, solar, gasoline, propane, etc.) or monitor drive trainperformance (e.g., transmission, tires, treads, brakes, rotors, blowers,propellers, etc.). In some embodiments, the sensor system is configuredto monitor the surroundings of the vehicle 101 and to collect dataregarding the unstructured open or closed environment. Further, eachvehicle 101 may comprise an internal processor for navigation andobstacle avoidance.

The vehicle may be configured for land. In some embodiments, the vehiclecomprises car, a wagon, a van, a tricycle, a truck, a trailer, a bus, arailed vehicle, a train, a tram, a watercraft, a ship, a boat, a ferry,a landing craft, a barge, a raft, an aerial drone, an aerial hovercraft,a land hovercraft, a water hovercraft an aircraft, a spacecraft, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises a watervehicle, wherein the conveyance system comprises a gas engine, a turbineengine, an electric motor, a hybrid gas/electric engine, a propeller, ajet, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehiclecomprises a hover vehicle, wherein the conveyance system comprises ablower, gas engine, a turbine engine, an electric motor, a hybridgas/electric engine, a propeller, or any combination thereof. n someembodiments, the vehicle comprises a hover vehicle, wherein theconveyance system comprises a wing, a rotor, a blower, a rocket, apropeller a gas engine, a turbine engine, an electric motor, a hybridgas/electric engine, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises a land vehicle having amaximum speed of about 13 miles per hour (mph) to about 90 mph. In someembodiments, the vehicle comprises a water vehicle having a maximumspeed of about 1 mph to about 45 mph. In some embodiments, the vehiclecomprises an over-land or over-water hovercraft vehicle having a maximumspeed of about 1 mph to about 60 mph. In some embodiments, the vehiclecomprises an air vehicle (e.g., an aerial drone or aerial hovercraft)having a maximum speed of about 1 mph to 90 mph.

In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured with a forward speedmode, a reverse mode, and a park mode. In some embodiments the vehiclehas a speed of about 13 mph to about 100 mph. Each land vehicle may alsobe configured to operate within a specific speed range to accommodatefor a specific surrounding. The specific surrounding may comprise, forexample, slow-moving traffic, pedestrian traffic, vehicle towing,automated parking, reverse driving, weather conditions, bike paths,inner-city transit, rural transit, residential transit, local roadwaytransit, state highway transit, and interstate highway transit. Thesurrounding of each vehicle may be determined by onboard or remotesensors and software. Safety measures may be implemented to furtherreduce speeds in certain situations, such as, for example, if theon-board navigation maps and sensors provide conflicting information,

In some embodiments, the vehicle may respond to one or more of thesurrounding conditions by entering “full stop,” “crawl,” or “creep”modes. Such modes may be enabled for navigating very tight situations,automated parking, vehicle, or when preparing to stop.

In some embodiments, at least one of the “full stop,” “crawl,” or“creep” modes comprise a speed of about 0.01 mph to about 13 mph. Insome embodiments, at least one of the full stop,” “crawl,” or “creep”modes comprise a speed of at least about 0.01 mph. In some embodiments,at least one of the “full stop,” “crawl,” or “creep” modes comprise aspeed of at most about 13 mph. In some embodiments, at least one of thefull stop,” “crawl,” or “creep” modes comprise a speed of about 0.01 mphto about 0.05 mph, about 0.01 mph to about 0.1 mph, about 0.01 mph toabout 0.5 mph, about 0.01 mph to about 1 mph, about 0.01 mph to about 2mph, about 0.01 mph to about 3 mph, about 0.01 mph to about 4 mph, about0.01 mph to about 5 mph, about 0.01 mph to about 8 mph, about 0.01 mphto about 11 mph, about 0.01 mph to about 13 mph, about 0.05 mph to about0.1 mph, about 0.05 mph to about 0.5 mph, about 0.05 mph to about 1 mph,about 0.05 mph to about 2 mph, about 0.05 mph to about 3 mph, about 0.05mph to about 4 mph, about 0.05 mph to about 5 mph, about 0.05 mph toabout 8 mph, about 0.05 mph to about 11 mph, about 0.05 mph to about 13mph, about 0.1 mph to about 0.5 mph, about 0.1 mph to about 1 mph, about0.1 mph to about 2 mph, about 0.1 mph to about 3 mph, about 0.1 mph toabout 4 mph, about 0.1 mph to about 5 mph, about 0.1 mph to about 8 mph,about 0.1 mph to about 11 mph, about 0.1 mph to about 13 mph, about 0.5mph to about 1 mph, about 0.5 mph to about 2 mph, about 0.5 mph to about3 mph, about 0.5 mph to about 4 mph, about 0.5 mph to about 5 mph, about0.5 mph to about 8 mph, about 0.5 mph to about 11 mph, about 0.5 mph toabout 13 mph, about 1 mph to about 2 mph, about 1 mph to about 3 mph,about 1 mph to about 4 mph, about 1 mph to about 5 mph, about 1 mph toabout 8 mph, about 1 mph to about 11 mph, about 1 mph to about 13 mph,about 2 mph to about 3 mph, about 2 mph to about 4 mph, about 2 mph toabout 5 mph, about 2 mph to about 8 mph, about 2 mph to about 11 mph,about 2 mph to about 13 mph, about 3 mph to about 4 mph, about 3 mph toabout 5 mph, about 3 mph to about 8 mph, about 3 mph to about 11 mph,about 3 mph to about 13 mph, about 4 mph to about 5 mph, about 4 mph toabout 8 mph, about 4 mph to about 11 mph, about 4 mph to about 13 mph,about 5 mph to about 8 mph, about 5 mph to about 11 mph, about 5 mph toabout 13 mph, about 8 mph to about 11 mph, about 8 mph to about 13 mph,or about 11 mph to about 13 mph. In some embodiments, at least one ofthe full stop,” “crawl,” or “creep” modes comprise a speed of about 0.01mph, about 0.05 mph, about 0.1 mph, about 0.5 mph, about 1 mph, about 2mph, about 3 mph, about 4 mph, about 5 mph, about 8 mph, about 11 mph,or about 13 mph.

In one exemplary embodiment, the land vehicle is configured with atraditional 4-wheeled automotive configuration comprising steering andbraking systems. The drive may be a 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel all-terraintraction drive, and the propulsion system may comprise a gas engine, aturbine engine, an electric motor, a hybrid gas/electric engine, or anycombination thereof. The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle mayadditionally comprise an auxiliary solar power system to provide back-upemergency power or power for minor low-power sub-systems.

In another exemplary embodiment, the water vehicle is configured tomonitor, collect, and report data in public waterways, canals, dams, andlakes. As such, the water vehicle may be capable of monitoring andreporting conditions in flood disaster areas, and/or collect watersamples.

Alternately, in some embodiments, while an autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle is operating in an unstructured open environment, a largestorage compartment could house a remote autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle that could be automatically deployed.

Fleet Management Module

Provided herein, per FIG. 6, is a system for fleet management comprisinga fleet management module 601, a central server 602, a vehicle 604, acustomer 603, and a service provider 605. In some embodiments, the fleetmanagement module 601 coordinates, assigns tasks, and monitors theposition of each of the plurality of vehicles 604 in the fleet. Thefleet management module 601 may coordinate the vehicles 604 in the fleetto monitor and collect data regarding unstructured open or closedenvironments, and report to the service provider 605. As seen, the fleetmanagement module 601 may coordinate with a central server 602. Thecentral server 602 may be located in a central operating facility ownedor managed by the fleet owner. The service provider 605 may comprise athird party provider of a good or service.

In one example, an order by a customer 603 is transmitted to a centralserver 602, which then communicates with the fleet management module601, which relays the order to the service provider 605 associated withthe order and a vehicle 604. The fleet management module 601 may employone or more vehicles 604 or sub-fleet vehicles 604 that are closest tothe service provider 605, customer 603, or both. The assigned serviceprovider then interacts with that vehicle 604 through a service providerapplication to supply the vehicle 604 with any goods, maps, orinstructions associated with the order. The vehicle 604 then travels tothe customer 603 and reports completion of the order to at least one ofthe customer 603, the service provider 605, the central server 602, andthe fleet management module 601.

In some embodiments the vehicle 604 may be operated on behalf of theservice provider 605, wherein at least one of the central server 602 andthe fleet management module 601 is operated by the service provider 605.In any one of the embodiments, the vehicle 604 is controlled directly bythe user 603. In some embodiments, human interaction of the vehicle 604may be required to address maintenance issues such as mechanicalfailure, electrical failure or a traffic accident.

Per FIG. 7, the fleet management module 701 instructs the processor 703of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle via a communication module702. The processor 703 may be configured to send an instruction andreceive a sensed data from the sensor system 706, and may furthercontrol at least one of the power system 707, the navigation module 705,and the conveyance system 704. The processor 703 may additionally beconfigured to instruct a controller 708 to open a securable compartment709 to release any contents associated with an order.

In some embodiments, the processor 703 of the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle comprises at least one communication module 702adapted to receive, store and transmit data to and from a user and thefleet management module 701. In some embodiments, the data comprises aschedule, a request or order, a current location, a delivery location, aservice provider location, a route, an estimated time of arrival (ETA),a repositioning instruction, a vehicle condition, a vehicle speed, orany combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the communication module 702 is configured toreceive, store and transmit data to and from a user via a userapplication. In some embodiments, the user application comprises acomputer application, an internet application, a tablet application, aphone application, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thecommunication module 702 is configured to receive, store and transmitdata via wireless transmission (e.g., 4G, 5G, or satellitecommunications). In some embodiments, the wireless transmission occursvia: a central server, a fleet management module, a mesh network, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the user application isconfigured to send and receive data via an electronic device comprisinga phone, a personal mobile device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), amainframe computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tabletcomputer, and/or wearable computing device comprising: a communicationheadset, smart glasses, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the navigation module 705 controls the conveyancesystem 704 to translate the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclethrough the unstructured open or closed environments. In someembodiments, the navigation module 705 comprises a digital map, a streetview photograph, a GPS point, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the map is generated by a user, a customer, a serviceprovider, a fleet operator, an online repository, a public database, orany combination thereof. In some embodiments, the map is generated onlyfor intended operational geography. The maps may be augmented by dataobtained by the sensor system 706. The navigation module 705 may furtherimplement data collected by the sensor system 706 to determine thelocation and/or the surroundings of the autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle. In some embodiments, the map further comprises a navigationmarker comprising a lane, a road sign, an intersection, a grade, or anycombination thereof.

In some embodiments, the fleet management module 701 is configured todetermine and predict a geographic demand for the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles for strategic placement throughout a geographicregion in anticipation of a known demand. The fleet management module701 may determine and predict a geographic demand by storing datarelating the location, quantity, time, price, item, item type, service,service type, service provider, or any combination thereof of placedorders and requests. Further, the service provider may provideindependently measured trends to supplement or augment the measuredtrends. As such, the vehicles may be strategically placed to reducetransit and idle time and to increase sales volume and efficiency.

Operating Environments

In some embodiments, the unstructured open environment is a non-confinedgeographic region accessible by navigable pathways comprising: publicroads, private roads, bike paths, open fields, open public lands, openprivate lands, pedestrian walkways, lakes, rivers, or streams.

In some embodiments, the closed environment is a confined, enclosed, orsemi-enclosed structure accessible by navigable pathways comprising: aground space within a commercial architecture, an airspace within acommercial architecture, an aisle, a hallway, a tunnel, a ramp, anelevator, a conveyor, or a pedestrian walkway. The closed environmentmay or may not comprise internal structures or obstacles.

In some embodiments, the unstructured open environment is a non-confinedairspace or a near-space environment, within the Earth's atmospherecomprising the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, thethermosphere and the exosphere.

Primary and Secondary Autonomous or Semi-Autonomous Vehicles

In some embodiments, the fleet of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclescomprises a plurality of primary vehicles, and a plurality of secondaryvehicles, wherein one or more of the secondary vehicles may betransported by or within the primary vehicle, and wherein the secondaryvehicle is separable from the primary vehicle.

In some embodiments, the secondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclecomprises a land-based autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, an aerialdrone, or a watercraft. In some embodiments, the secondary autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles are configured to be at least one half the sizeof the primary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. In someembodiments, the secondary vehicle is configured with the same travelingspeeds and modes as the primary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.Alternatively, the secondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle maybe configured with some, if not all, of the same capabilities of theprimary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

In some embodiments, the secondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicleis configured to perform a secondary duty, such as: acquiring asoil/water/air sample; acquiring a close-up picture; accessing small orconfined areas (e.g.: drainage pipes and small tunnels); transporting anitem from a location of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to adoor, drop box, or alternative secondary location; transporting an iteminside of a building, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the secondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicleis transported in a storage compartment, on the top, or on the back ofthe primary vehicle autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. In someembodiments, the secondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle istethered to the primary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. In someembodiments, the secondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle isconfigured for auto-self-extraction from the primary vehicle. In someembodiments, the primary vehicle comprises a ramp, a platform, a lift,or any combination thereof, to enable auto-self-extraction of thesecondary autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

Goods and Services

In some embodiments, the fleet of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclesherein are configured to receive and deliver a product, and to provide aservice to a user. In some embodiments, the user comprises a fleetmanager; a sub-contracting vendor; a service provider; a customer; abusiness entity; an individual; or a third-party. In some embodiments,the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet user is a city, countystate or federal road management agency. In some embodiments, theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet user is a business entityutilizing the fleet to survey and report on large parcels of (indoor oroutdoor) property. In some embodiments, the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle fleet is configurable for security monitoring.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles in thefleet are configurable for monitoring and reporting weather andatmospheric conditions in any number of adverse environments. In someembodiments, the service comprises routine auditing of roads,construction sites, parking lots, etc. In some embodiments, the servicescomprise automated new generation of High Definition mappinginformation. In some embodiments, the services comprise real timeupdating of map information (number of lanes, location of laneboundaries, location of crosswalks, curbs, general road informationuseful for navigation). In some embodiments, the services may compriseroutine, updating service on a schedule, such as multiple intervals perday, daily intervals, weekly intervals, monthly intervals or annualintervals. In some embodiments, the services comprise updating of mapinformation (number of lanes, location of lane boundaries, location ofcrosswalks, curbs, general road information useful for navigation), at afrequency to be determined by the services contract. In someembodiments, the frequency is: about once per week; about once permonth; about once per quarter year; about once per half year; about onceper three quarters of a year; about once per year; about once per 18months; about once per two years; about once per three years; about onceper four years; or about once per five years. In some embodiments, theservices comprise land/site (topographic) surveys. In some embodiments,the services comprise disaster area surveys and assessments. In someembodiments, the services comprise road condition surveys. In someembodiments, the services comprise traffic surveys. In some embodiments,the services comprise traffic signal and signage surveys. In someembodiments, the services comprise architectural building or roadinfrastructure (bridge condition) surveys. In some embodiments, theservices comprise advertising services.

Controllers and Processors

In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet is equipped with at leastone processor configured with both a high-level computing capacity forprocessing, and a low-level safety critical computing capacity forcontrolling the hardware. The at least one processor is configured tomanage the conveyance system, manage the power system, manage thenavigation module, manage the various aspects of the sensor system,process and manage the instructions from the fleet management module,and manage the at least one communication module.

In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet is equipped with a softwaremodule, executed by the at least one processor to apply one or morealgorithms to data collected from the plurality of sensors to identify,document, and store to a memory device, one or more of: road and pathwayconditions; (damaged roads, pot holes); road and pathway information,such as: number of lanes, location of boundaries, location of curbs,location of road edge, location of crosswalks, etc., traffic speed;traffic congestion; weather conditions; parking violations; publicutility issues; street light issues; traffic light issues; pedestriandensity/traffic; animals; or alternative vehicular traffic. (e.g.,motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, wheelchairs, strollers); areasurveillance; waterway conditions, bridge inspection; internal andexternal structural inspection; various types of site inspections, landsurvey results and foliage inspection. Additionally, the data collectedfrom the plurality of sensors could include the current state of streetlights and traffic lights which would also include the color the trafficlight (to accumulate real-time data of which lights are green, etc) andconfirmation of when street lights are on.

In some embodiments, data stored to a memory device is uploadable eitherwirelessly to the fleet manager or via wireless or wired downloadingwhen the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle returns to a fleetterminal. Once uploaded wirelessly or downloaded via wireless or wireddownloading to the fleet manager, the data may then be processedappropriately.

In some embodiments, data stored to a memory device is uploadable to alocal or central server that is distinct from the fleet manager (e.g.,an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle comes back to base, uploads itsdata to a processing server, the processing server processes the dataand then the resulting processed data is provided directly to customersor businesses or the fleet of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles,etc).

Digital Processing Device

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdescribed herein include a digital processing device, or use of thesame. In further embodiments, the digital processing device includes oneor more hardware central processing units (CPUs) or general purposegraphics processing units (GPGPUs) that carry out the device'sfunctions. In still further embodiments, the digital processing devicefurther comprises an operating system configured to perform executableinstructions. In some embodiments, the digital processing device isoptionally connected a computer network. In further embodiments, thedigital processing device is optionally connected to the Internet suchthat it accesses the World Wide Web. In still further embodiments, thedigital processing device is optionally connected to a cloud computinginfrastructure. In other embodiments, the digital processing device isoptionally connected to an intranet. In other embodiments, the digitalprocessing device is optionally connected to a data storage device.

In accordance with the description herein, suitable digital processingdevices include, by way of non-limiting examples, server computers,desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebookcomputers, netbook computers, netpad computers, set-top computers, andmedia streaming devices, handheld computers, Internet appliances, mobilesmartphones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, video gameconsoles, and vehicles. Those of skill in the art will recognize thatmany smartphones are suitable for use in the system described herein.Those of skill in the art will also recognize that select televisions,video players, and digital music players with optional computer networkconnectivity are suitable for use in the system described herein.Suitable tablet computers include those with booklet, slate, andconvertible configurations, known to those of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an operatingsystem configured to perform executable instructions. The operatingsystem is, for example, software, including programs and data, whichmanages the device's hardware and provides services for execution ofapplications. Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitableserver operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD®, Linux, Apple® Mac OS X Server®, Oracle®Solaris®, WindowsServer®, and Novell® NetWare®. Those of skill in theart will recognize that suitable personal computer operating systemsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft® Windows®, Apple®Mac OS X®, UNIX®, and UNIX-like operating systems such as GNU/Linux®. Insome embodiments, the operating system is provided by cloud computing.Those of skill in the art will also recognize that suitable mobile smartphone operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Nokia®Symbian® OS, Apple® iOS®, Research In Motion® BlackBerry OS®, Google®Android®, Microsoft® Windows Phone® OS, Microsoft® Windows Mobile® OS,Linux®, and Palm® WebOS®. Those of skill in the art will also recognizethat suitable media streaming device operating systems include, by wayof non-limiting examples, Apple TV®, Roku®, Boxee®, Google TV®, GoogleChromecast®, Amazon Fire®, and Samsung® HomeSync®. Those of skill in theart will also recognize that suitable video game console operatingsystems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Sony® PS3®, Sony®PS4®, Microsoft® Xbox 360®, Microsoft Xbox One, Nintendo® Wii®,Nintendo® Wii U®, and Ouya®.

In some embodiments, the device includes a storage and/or memory device.The storage and/or memory device is one or more physical apparatusesused to store data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis. Insome embodiments, the device is volatile memory and requires power tomaintain stored information. In some embodiments, the device isnon-volatile memory and retains stored information when the digitalprocessing device is not powered. In further embodiments, thenon-volatile memory comprises flash memory. In some embodiments, thenon-volatile memory comprises dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). Insome embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises ferroelectric randomaccess memory (FRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memorycomprises phase-change random access memory (PRAM). In otherembodiments, the device is a storage device including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, magneticdisk drives, magnetic tapes drives, optical disk drives, and cloudcomputing based storage. In further embodiments, the storage and/ormemory device is a combination of devices such as those disclosedherein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes a display tosend visual information to a user. In some embodiments, the display is aliquid crystal display (LCD). In further embodiments, the display is athin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). In someembodiments, the display is an organic light emitting diode (OLED)display. In various further embodiments, on OLED display is apassive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) or active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. Insome embodiments, the display is a plasma display. In other embodiments,the display is a video projector. In yet other embodiments, the displayis a head-mounted display in communication with the digital processingdevice, such as a VR headset. In further embodiments, suitable VRheadsets include, by way of non-limiting examples, HTC Vive, OculusRift, Samsung Gear VR, Microsoft HoloLens, Razer OSVR, FOVE VR, Zeiss VROne, Avegant Glyph, Freefly VR headset, and the like. In still furtherembodiments, the display is a combination of devices such as thosedisclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an inputdevice to receive information from a user. In some embodiments, theinput device is a keyboard. In some embodiments, the input device is apointing device including, by way of non-limiting examples, a mouse,trackball, track pad, joystick, game controller, or stylus. In someembodiments, the input device is a touch screen or a multi-touch screen.In other embodiments, the input device is a microphone to capture voiceor other sound input. In other embodiments, the input device is a videocamera or other sensor to capture motion or visual input. In furtherembodiments, the input device is a Kinect, Leap Motion, or the like. Instill further embodiments, the input device is a combination of devicessuch as those disclosed herein.

Referring to FIG. 8, in a particular embodiment, a digital processingdevice 801 is programmed or otherwise configured to managing autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicles. The device 801 is programmed or otherwiseconfigured to manage autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles. In thisembodiment, the digital processing device 801 includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU, also “processor” and “computer processor” herein)805, which is optionally a single core, a multi core processor, or aplurality of processors for parallel processing. The digital processingdevice 801 also includes memory or memory location 810 (e.g.,random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronicstorage unit 815 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 820 (e.g.,network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, andperipheral devices 825, such as cache, other memory, data storage and/orelectronic display adapters. The memory 810, storage unit 815, interface820 and peripheral devices 825 are in communication with the CPU 805through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. Thestorage unit 815 comprises a data storage unit (or data repository) forstoring data. The digital processing device 801 is optionallyoperatively coupled to a computer network (“network”) 830 with the aidof the communication interface 820. The network 830, in various cases,is the internet, an internet, and/or extranet, or an intranet and/orextranet that is in communication with the internet. The network 830, insome cases, is a telecommunication and/or data network. The network 830optionally includes one or more computer servers, which enabledistributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 830, in somecases, with the aid of the device 801, implements a peer-to-peernetwork, which enables devices coupled to the device 801 to behave as aclient or a server.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 8, the CPU 805 is configured to execute asequence of machine-readable instructions, embodied in a program,application, and/or software. The instructions are optionally stored ina memory location, such as the memory 810. The instructions are directedto the CPU 105, which subsequently program or otherwise configure theCPU 805 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples ofoperations performed by the CPU 805 include fetch, decode, execute, andwrite back. The CPU 805 is, in some cases, part of a circuit, such as anintegrated circuit. One or more other components of the device 801 areoptionally included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmablegate array (FPGA).

Continuing to refer to FIG. 8, the storage unit 815 optionally storesfiles, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit815 optionally stores user data, e.g., user preferences and userprograms. The digital processing device 801, in some cases, includes oneor more additional data storage units that are external, such as locatedon a remote server that is in communication through an intranet or theinternet.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 8, the digital processing device 801optionally communicates with one or more remote computer systems throughthe network 830. For instance, the device 801 optionally communicateswith a remote computer system of a user. Examples of remote computersystems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tabletPCs (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab, etc.), smartphones (e.g.,Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®, etc.), or personaldigital assistants.

Methods as described herein are optionally implemented by way of machine(e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronicstorage location of the digital processing device 604, such as, forexample, on the memory 810 or electronic storage unit 815. The machineexecutable or machine readable code is optionally provided in the formof software. During use, the code is executed by the processor 805. Insome cases, the code is retrieved from the storage unit 815 and storedon the memory 810 for ready access by the processor 805. In somesituations, the electronic storage unit 815 is precluded, andmachine-executable instructions are stored on the memory 810.

Non-Transitory Computer Readable Storage Medium

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include one or more non-transitory computer readablestorage media encoded with a program including instructions executableby the operating system of an optionally networked digital processingdevice. In further embodiments, a computer readable storage medium is atangible component of a digital processing device. In still furtherembodiments, a computer readable storage medium is optionally removablefrom a digital processing device. In some embodiments, a computerreadable storage medium includes, by way of non-limiting examples,CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, solid state memory, magnetic diskdrives, magnetic tape drives, optical disk drives, cloud computingsystems and services, and the like. In some cases, the program andinstructions are permanently, substantially permanently,semi-permanently, or non-transitorily encoded on the media.

Computer Programs

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include at least one computer program, or use of thesame. A computer program includes a sequence of instructions, executablein the digital processing device's CPU, written to perform a specifiedtask. Computer readable instructions may be implemented as programmodules, such as functions, objects, Application Programming Interfaces(APIs), data structures, and the like, that perform particular tasks orimplement particular abstract data types. In light of the disclosureprovided herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that acomputer program may be written in various versions of variouslanguages.

The functionality of the computer readable instructions may be combinedor distributed as desired in various environments. In some embodiments,a computer program comprises one sequence of instructions. In someembodiments, a computer program comprises a plurality of sequences ofinstructions. In some embodiments, a computer program is provided fromone location. In other embodiments, a computer program is provided froma plurality of locations. In various embodiments, a computer programincludes one or more software modules. In various embodiments, acomputer program includes, in part or in whole, one or more webapplications, one or more mobile applications, one or more standaloneapplications, one or more web browser plug-ins, extensions, add-ins, oradd-ons, or combinations thereof.

Web Applications

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a web application. Inlight of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art willrecognize that a web application, in various embodiments, utilizes oneor more software frameworks and one or more database systems. In someembodiments, a web application is created upon a software framework suchas Microsoft® .NET or Ruby on Rails (RoR). In some embodiments, a webapplication utilizes one or more database systems including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, relational, non-relational, object oriented,associative, and XML database systems. In further embodiments, suitablerelational database systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,Microsoft® SQL Server, mySQL™, and Oracle®. Those of skill in the artwill also recognize that a web application, in various embodiments, iswritten in one or more versions of one or more languages. A webapplication may be written in one or more markup languages, presentationdefinition languages, client-side scripting languages, server-sidecoding languages, database query languages, or combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in amarkup language such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), ExtensibleHypertext Markup Language (XHTML), or eXtensible Markup Language (XML).In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in apresentation definition language such as Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in aclient-side scripting language such as Asynchronous Javascript and XML(AJAX), Flash® Actionscript, Javascript, or Silverlight®. In someembodiments, a web application is written to some extent in aserver-side coding language such as Active Server Pages (ASP),ColdFusion®, Perl, Java™, JavaServer Pages (JSP), Hypertext Preprocessor(PHP), Python™, Ruby, Tcl, Smalltalk, WebDNA®, or Groovy. In someembodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a databasequery language such as Structured Query Language (SQL). In someembodiments, a web application integrates enterprise server productssuch as IBM® Lotus Domino®. In some embodiments, a web applicationincludes a media player element. In various further embodiments, a mediaplayer element utilizes one or more of many suitable multimediatechnologies including, by way of non-limiting examples, Adobe® Flash®,HTML 5, Apple® QuickTime®, Microsoft® Silverlight®, Java™, and Unity®.

Referring to FIG. 9, in a particular embodiment, an applicationprovision system comprises one or more databases 900 accessed by arelational database management system (RDBMS) 910. Suitable RDBMSsinclude Firebird, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle Database, MicrosoftSQL Server, IBM DB2, IBM Informix, SAP Sybase, SAP Sybase, Teradata, andthe like. In this embodiment, the application provision system furthercomprises one or more application severs 920 (such as Java servers, .NETservers, PHP servers, and the like) and one or more web servers 930(such as Apache, IIS, GWS and the like). The web server(s) optionallyexpose one or more web services via app application programminginterfaces (APIs) 940. Via a network, such as the internet, the systemprovides browser-based and/or mobile native user interfaces.

Referring to FIG. 10, in a particular embodiment, an applicationprovision system alternatively has a distributed, cloud-basedarchitecture 1000 and comprises elastically load balanced, auto-scalingweb server resources 1010, and application server resources 1020 as wellsynchronously replicated databases 1030.

Mobile Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a mobile applicationprovided to a mobile digital processing device. In some embodiments, themobile application is provided to a mobile digital processing device atthe time it is manufactured. In other embodiments, the mobileapplication is provided to a mobile digital processing device via thecomputer network described herein.

In view of the disclosure provided herein, a mobile application iscreated by techniques known to those of skill in the art using hardware,languages, and development environments known to the art. Those of skillin the art will recognize that mobile applications are written inseveral languages. Suitable programming languages include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Java™, Javascript,Pascal, Object Pascal, Python™, Ruby, VB.NET, WML, and XHTML/HTML withor without CSS, or combinations thereof.

Suitable mobile application development environments are available fromseveral sources. Commercially available development environmentsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, AirplaySDK, alcheMo,Appcelerator®, Celsius, Bedrock, Flash Lite, .NET Compact Framework,Rhomobile, and WorkLight Mobile Platform. Other development environmentsare available without cost including, by way of non-limiting examples,Lazarus, MobiFlex, MoSync, and Phonegap. Also, mobile devicemanufacturers distribute software developer kits including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, iPhone and iPad (iOS) SDK, Android™ SDK,BlackBerry® SDK, BREW SDK, Palm® OS SDK, Symbian SDK, webOS SDK, andWindows® Mobile SDK.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that several commercial forumsare available for distribution of mobile applications including, by wayof non-limiting examples, Apple® App Store, Google® Play, ChromeWebStore, BlackBerry® App World, App Store for Palm devices, App Catalogfor webOS, Windows® Marketplace for Mobile, Ovi Store for Nokia®devices, Samsung® Apps, and Nintendo® DSi Shop.

Standalone Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a standaloneapplication, which is a program that is run as an independent computerprocess, not an add-on to an existing process, e.g., not a plug-in.Those of skill in the art will recognize that standalone applicationsare often compiled. A compiler is a computer program(s) that transformssource code written in a programming language into binary object codesuch as assembly language or machine code. Suitable compiled programminglanguages include, by way of non-limiting examples, C, C++, Objective-C,COBOL, Delphi, Eiffel, Java™, Lisp, Python™, Visual Basic, and VB .NET,or combinations thereof. Compilation is often performed, at least inpart, to create an executable program. In some embodiments, a computerprogram includes one or more executable complied applications.

Web Browser Plug-in

In some embodiments, the computer program includes a web browser plug-in(e.g., extension, etc.). In computing, a plug-in is one or more softwarecomponents that add specific functionality to a larger softwareapplication. Makers of software applications support plug-ins to enablethird-party developers to create abilities which extend an application,to support easily adding new features, and to reduce the size of anapplication. When supported, plug-ins enable customizing thefunctionality of a software application. For example, plug-ins arecommonly used in web browsers to play video, generate interactivity,scan for viruses, and display particular file types. Those of skill inthe art will be familiar with several web browser plug-ins including,Adobe® Flash® Player, Microsoft® Silverlight®, and Apple® QuickTime®.

In view of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the artwill recognize that several plug-in frameworks are available that enabledevelopment of plug-ins in various programming languages, including, byway of non-limiting examples, C++, Delphi, Java™, PHP, Python™, and VB.NET, or combinations thereof.

Web browsers (also called Internet browsers) are software applications,designed for use with network-connected digital processing devices, forretrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on theWorld Wide Web. Suitable web browsers include, by way of non-limitingexamples, Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, Mozilla® Firefox®, Google®Chrome, Apple® Safari®, Opera Software® Opera®, and KDE Konqueror. Insome embodiments, the web browser is a mobile web browser. Mobile webbrowsers (also called microbrowsers, mini-browsers, and wirelessbrowsers) are designed for use on mobile digital processing devicesincluding, by way of non-limiting examples, handheld computers, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, subnotebook computers, smartphones, musicplayers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and handheld video gamesystems. Suitable mobile web browsers include, by way of non-limitingexamples, Google® Android® browser, RIM BlackBerry® Browser, Apple®Safari®, Palm® Blazer, Palm® WebOS® Browser, Mozilla® Firefox® formobile, Microsoft® Internet Explorer® Mobile, Amazon® Kindle® Basic Web,Nokia® Browser, Opera Software® Opera® Mobile, and Sony® PSP™ browser.

Software Modules

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include software, server, and/or database modules, oruse of the same. In view of the disclosure provided herein, softwaremodules are created by techniques known to those of skill in the artusing machines, software, and languages known to the art. The softwaremodules disclosed herein are implemented in a multitude of ways. Invarious embodiments, a software module comprises a file, a section ofcode, a programming object, a programming structure, or combinationsthereof. In further various embodiments, a software module comprises aplurality of files, a plurality of sections of code, a plurality ofprogramming objects, a plurality of programming structures, orcombinations thereof. In various embodiments, the one or more softwaremodules comprise, by way of non-limiting examples, a web application, amobile application, and a standalone application. In some embodiments,software modules are in one computer program or application. In otherembodiments, software modules are in more than one computer program orapplication. In some embodiments, software modules are hosted on onemachine. In other embodiments, software modules are hosted on more thanone machine. In further embodiments, software modules are hosted oncloud computing platforms. In some embodiments, software modules arehosted on one or more machines in one location. In other embodiments,software modules are hosted on one or more machines in more than onelocation.

Databases

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include one or more databases, or use of the same. Inview of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art willrecognize that many databases are suitable for autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles. In various embodiments, suitable databasesinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, relational databases,non-relational databases, object oriented databases, object databases,entity-relationship model databases, associative databases, and XMLdatabases. Further non-limiting examples include SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL,Oracle, DB2, and Sybase. In some embodiments, a database isinternet-based. In further embodiments, a database is web-based. Instill further embodiments, a database is cloud computing-based. In otherembodiments, a database is based on one or more local computer storagedevices.

Platform for Determining Real-Time Parking Status

Provided herein, per FIGS. 11 to 13, is a non-limiting schematic diagramof a platform 1100 for determining a real-time parking status for aplurality of parking locations.

As seen in FIG. 11, the platform 1100 may further be configured todetect a parking violation, and comprise a plurality of autonomous orsemi-autonomous land vehicles 1110, and a processor configured toprovide an application 1120.

Each autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle 1110 may comprise one ormore sensors 1111 and a communication device 1112. The one or moresensors 1111 may be configured to collect a first sensed data. The firstsensed data may correspond to a parking location. In some embodiments,the one or more sensors 1111 comprises a camera, a video camera, aLiDAR, a RADAR, a microphone, a light sensor, a tactile sensor, or anycombination thereof. The communication device 1112 may be configured totransmit the first sensed data. In some embodiments, the communicationdevice 1112 comprises a Wi-Fi communication device, a cellularcommunication device, a Bluetooth communication device, a wiredcommunication device, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the manned vehicle comprises a car, a truck, a motorcycle, a van, a bus,a golf cart, a limousine, a utility vehicle, or any combination thereof.

The application 1120 may comprise a database 1121, a communicationmodule 1122, and a parking spot recognition module 1123. The database1121 may comprise the plurality of parking locations. In someembodiments, the parking location comprises a GPS coordinate, a uniqueparking spot identifier, an area defined by three or more coordinates,or any combination thereof.

The communication module 1122 may receive the first sensed data. Thecommunication module 1122 may receive the first sensed data via thecommunication device 1112.

The parking spot recognition module 1123 may apply a parking assessmentalgorithm to determine the real-time parking status of the parkinglocation. The parking spot recognition module 1123 may apply a parkingassessment algorithm to determine the real-time parking status of theparking location based at least on the first sensed data. The parkingspot recognition module 1123 may further transmit the parking status tothe database 1121. The real-time parking status may comprise an occupiedparking status, an unoccupied parking status, an unavailable parkingstatus, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the parking assessment algorithm comprises amachine learning algorithm, a rule-based algorithm, or both. In someembodiments, at least one of the vehicles 1110 comprises the processorand the application 1120. In some embodiments, each of the vehicles 1110comprises the processor and the application 1120. In some embodiments,the platform 1100 further comprises a remote server in communicationwith one or more of the vehicles 1110, wherein the remote servercomprises the processor and the application 1120. In some embodiments,the platform 1100 further comprises a data storage receiving and storingat least one of the first sensed data, the parking location, and theparking status.

In some embodiments, the platform 1100 further comprises a userinterface allowing an administrative user to configure the database 1121comprising parking locations. In some embodiments, the user interface isa graphic user interface or an application 1120 programming interface.In some embodiments, the platform 1100 further comprises a userinterface allowing an administrative user to configure the parkingassessment algorithm. In some embodiments, the user interface allows theadministrative user to configure the parking assessment algorithm byuploading algorithm rules, algorithm criteria, or both.

In some embodiments, the platform 1100 further comprises an alertingmodule transmitting a notification to an enforcement agent. Thenotification may comprise at least one of: the parking location, and thefirst sensed data.

As seen in FIG. 12, the platform 1200 may comprise a plurality ofautonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicles 1210, and a processorconfigured to provide an application 1220.

Each autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle 1210 may comprise one ormore sensors 1211 and a communication device 1212. The one or moresensors 1211 may be configured to collect a first sensed data. The firstsensed data may correspond to a parking location. In some embodiments,the one or more sensors 1211 comprises a camera, a video camera, aLiDAR, a RADAR, a microphone, a light sensor, a tactile sensor, or anycombination thereof. The communication device 1212 may be configured totransmit the first sensed data. The first sensed data may comprise apicture, a video, a three-dimensional image, a sound, a light value, atactile value, a chemical data, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the communication device 1212 comprises a Wi-Ficommunication device, a cellular communication device, a Bluetoothcommunication device, a wired communication device, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the manned vehicle comprises a car, atruck, a motorcycle, a van, a bus, a golf cart, a limousine, a utilityvehicle, or any combination thereof.

The application 1220 may comprise a database 1221, a communicationmodule 1222, a parking spot recognition module 1223, and a violationdetection module 1224. The database 1221 may comprise the plurality ofparking locations. In some embodiments, the parking location comprises aGPS coordinate, a unique parking spot identifier, an area defined bythree or more coordinates, or any combination thereof. The parkingregulation may comprise a meter requirement, a time period, a placard, apermit requirement, or any combination thereof.

The communication module 1222 may receive the first sensed data. Thecommunication module 1222 may receive the first sensed data via thecommunication device 1212.

The parking spot recognition module 1223 may apply a parking assessmentalgorithm to determine the real-time parking status of the parkinglocation. The parking spot recognition module 1223 may apply a parkingassessment algorithm to determine the real-time parking status of theparking location based at least on the first sensed data. The parkingspot recognition module 1223 may further transmit the parking status tothe database 1221.

The violation detection module 1224 may apply a violation assessmentalgorithm to detect the parking violation. The violation detectionmodule 1224 may apply the violation assessment algorithm to detect theparking violation based at least on the parking location, the at leastone parking regulation associated with the parking location, and one ormore of: the first sensed data, the first sensed data, and the real-timeparking status of the parking location. In some embodiments, the parkingviolation comprises parking in an illegal spot, parking in an expiredspot, an expired parking meter, an expired parking term, a missingplacard or permit, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, at least one of the parking assessment algorithmand the violation assessment algorithm comprises a machine learningalgorithm, a rule-based algorithm, or both. In some embodiments, atleast one of the vehicles 1210 comprises the processor and theapplication 1220. In some embodiments, each of the vehicles 1210comprises the processor and the application 1220. In some embodiments,the platform 1200 further comprises a remote server in communicationwith one or more of the vehicles 1210, wherein the remote servercomprises the processor and the application 1220. In some embodiments,the platform 1200 further comprises a data storage receiving and storingat least one of the first sensed data, the second sensed data, theparking location, the parking status, and the parking violation.

In some embodiments, the platform 1200 further comprises a userinterface allowing an administrative user to configure the database 1221comprising parking locations and parking regulations. In someembodiments, the user interface is a graphic user interface or anapplication 1220 programming interface. In some embodiments, theplatform 1200 further comprises a user interface allowing anadministrative user to configure the parking assessment algorithm, theviolation assessment algorithm, or both. In some embodiments, the userinterface allows the administrative user to configure at least one ofthe parking assessment algorithm, and the violation assessment algorithmby uploading algorithm rules, algorithm criteria, or both.

In some embodiments, the platform 1200 further comprises an alertingmodule transmitting a notification to an enforcement agent. Thenotification may comprise at least one of: the parking location, the atleast one parking regulation associated with at least one parkingregulation associated with the parking location, the first sensed data.

As seen in FIG. 13, the platform 1300 may further be configured todetect a parking violation and identify the manned vehicle comprise aplurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicles 1310, and aprocessor configured to provide an application 1320.

Each autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle 1310 may comprise one ormore sensors 1311 and a communication device 1312. The one or moresensors 1311 may be configured to collect a first sensed data and asecond sensed data. The first sensed data may correspond to a parkinglocation. The second sensed data may correspond to an identification ofa manned vehicle associated with the parking location. In someembodiments, the identification of the manned vehicle comprises alicense plate number, a VIN number, a make, a model, a placard, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 1311comprises a camera, a video camera, a LiDAR, a RADAR, a microphone, alight sensor, a tactile sensor, or any combination thereof. Thecommunication device 1312 may be configured to transmit at least one ofthe first sensed data and the second sensed data. In some embodiments,the communication device 1312 comprises a Wi-Fi communication device, acellular communication device, a Bluetooth communication device, a wiredcommunication device, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the manned vehicle comprises a car, a truck, a motorcycle, a van, a bus,a golf cart, a limousine, a utility vehicle, or any combination thereof.

The application 1320 may comprise a database 1321, a communicationmodule 1322, a parking spot recognition module 1323, a violationdetection module 1324, and a vehicle identification module 1325. Thedatabase 1321 may comprise the plurality of parking locations. In someembodiments, the parking location comprises a GPS coordinate, a uniqueparking spot identifier, an area defined by three or more coordinates,or any combination thereof. The parking regulation may comprise a meterrequirement, a time period, a placard, a permit requirement, or anycombination thereof.

The communication module 1322 may receive the first sensed data and thesecond sensed data. The communication module 1322 may receive the firstsensed data and the second sensed data via the communication device1312.

The parking spot recognition module 1323 may apply a parking assessmentalgorithm to determine the real-time parking status of the parkinglocation. The parking spot recognition module 1323 may apply a parkingassessment algorithm to determine the real-time parking status of theparking location based at least on the first sensed data. The parkingspot recognition module 1323 may further transmit the parking status tothe database 1321.

The violation detection module 1324 may apply a violation assessmentalgorithm to detect the parking violation. The violation detectionmodule 1324 may apply the violation assessment algorithm to detect theparking violation based at least on the parking location, the at leastone parking regulation associated with the parking location, and one ormore of: the first sensed data, the first sensed data, and the real-timeparking status of the parking location. In some embodiments, the parkingviolation comprises parking in an illegal spot, parking in an expiredspot, an expired parking meter, an expired parking term, a missingplacard or permit, or any combination thereof.

The vehicle identification module 1325 may apply a vehicleidentification algorithm to identify the manned vehicle. The vehicleidentification module 1325 may apply a vehicle identification algorithmto identify the manned vehicle based at least on the second sensed data.In some embodiments, the vehicle identification algorithm identifies themanned vehicle based at least on one or more of: the license platenumber, a VIN number, a make, a model, or a placard associated with themanned vehicle.

In some embodiments, at least one of the parking assessment algorithm,the violation assessment algorithm, and the identification algorithmcomprises a machine learning algorithm, a rule-based algorithm, or both.In some embodiments, at least one of the vehicles 1310 comprises theprocessor and the application 1320. In some embodiments, each of thevehicles 1310 comprises the processor and the application 1320. In someembodiments, the platform 1300 further comprises a remote server incommunication with one or more of the vehicles 1310, wherein the remoteserver comprises the processor and the application 1320. In someembodiments, the platform 1300 further comprises a data storagereceiving and storing at least one of the first sensed data, the secondsensed data, the parking location, the parking status, the identity ofthe manned vehicle, and the parking violation.

In some embodiments, the platform 1300 further comprises a userinterface allowing an administrative user to configure the database 1321comprising parking locations and parking regulations. In someembodiments, the user interface is a graphic user interface or anapplication 1320 programming interface. In some embodiments, theplatform 1300 further comprises a user interface allowing anadministrative user to configure the parking assessment algorithm, theviolation assessment algorithm, the vehicle identification algorithm, orany combination thereof. In some embodiments, the user interface allowsthe administrative user to configure at least one of the parkingassessment algorithm, the violation assessment algorithm, and thevehicle identification algorithm by uploading algorithm rules, algorithmcriteria, or both.

In some embodiments, the platform 1300 further comprises an alertingmodule transmitting a notification to an enforcement agent. Thenotification may comprise at least one of: the parking location, the atleast one parking regulation associated with at least one parkingregulation associated with the parking location, the first sensed data,the second sensed data, and the identification of the manned vehicleassociated with the parking location.

Platform for Detecting a Traffic Violation

Provided herein, per FIG. 14, is a non-limiting schematic diagram of aplatform 1400 for detecting a traffic violation by a manned vehicle at aroadway location.

The platform 1400 may comprise a plurality of autonomous orsemi-autonomous land vehicles 1410, and a processor configured toprovide an application 1420.

Each autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle 1410 may comprise one ormore sensors 1411 and a communication device 1412. The one or moresensors 1411 may be configured to collect a first sensed data, a secondsensed data and a third sensed data. The first sensed data maycorrespond to the roadway location. The second sensed data maycorrespond to a behavior associated with the manned vehicle. The thirdsensed data may correspond to an identification of the manned vehicle.In some embodiments, the first sensed data comprises a GPS coordinate, aunique roadway identifier, an area defined by three or more coordinates,or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors1411 comprises a camera, a video camera, a LiDAR, a RADAR, a microphone,a light sensor, a tactile sensor, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the communication device 1412 comprises a Wi-Ficommunication device, a cellular communication device, a Bluetoothcommunication device, a wired communication device, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the manned vehicle comprises a car, atruck, a motorcycle, a van, a bus, a golf cart, a limousine, a utilityvehicle, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the thirdsensed data corresponding to the identification of the manned vehiclecomprises a license plate number, a VIN number, a make, a model, aplacard, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the roadwaylocation comprises a street address, a street name, a cross street, aparking lot, a highway, a street, a boulevard, a freeway, a tollway, abridge, or a tunnel. In some embodiments, the second sensed datacorresponding to a behavior associated with the manned vehicle comprisesa vehicle speed, a vehicle acceleration, a vehicle deceleration, avehicle lane change, a vehicle turn, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the third sensed data corresponding to the identificationof the manned vehicle comprises a license plate number, a VIN number, amake, a model, a placard, or any combination thereof.

The application 1420 may comprise a database 1421, a communicationmodule 1422, a driving behavior assessment module 1423, a trafficviolation detection module 1424, and an alerting module 1425.

The database 1421 may comprise a plurality of roadway locations. Eachroadway location may be associated with at least one roadway regulation.

The communication module 1422 may receive at least one of the firstsensed data, the second sensed data, and the third sensed data. Thecommunication module 1422 may receive at least one of the first senseddata, the second sensed data, and the third sensed data via thecommunication device 1412.

The driving behavior assessment module 1423 may apply a manned drivingassessment algorithm. The manned driving assessment algorithm maydetermine a driving behavior of the manned vehicle associated with theroadway location. The manned driving assessment algorithm may determinea driving behavior of the manned vehicle based at least on the firstsensed data, the second sensed data, or both. The driving behavior maycomprise a driving speed, a driving acceleration, a drivingdeceleration, a swerving behavior, a license plate status, a turningsignal status, a turning status, or any combination thereof.

The traffic violation detection module 1424 may comprise a trafficviolation assessment algorithm. The violation assessment algorithm maydetect a traffic violation associated with the manned vehicle and theroadway location. The violation assessment algorithm may detect atraffic violation associated with the manned vehicle and the roadwaylocation based at least on one or more of the driving behavior, theroadway location, the roadway regulation, the first sensed data, thesecond sensed data, and the third sensed data. In some embodiments, thetraffic violation comprises an expired license plate, a license platewanted by law enforcement, an illegal turn violation, a speedingviolation, a red light violation, a stop sign violation, a yield signviolation, a signaling violation, a passing violation, a U-turnviolation, a median violation, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the roadway regulation comprises a speed regulation, astoplight regulation, a yield regulation, a passing regulation, a U-turnregulation, a median regulation, or any combination thereof.

The alerting module 1425 may transmit a notification to an enforcementagent. The notification may comprise at least one of the drivingviolation, the driving behavior, the roadway location, the roadwayregulation, the first sensed data, the second sensed data, and the thirdsensed data. The alerting module 1425 may transmit a notification to anenforcement agent via the communication module.

In some embodiments, at least one of the manned driving assessmentalgorithm and the traffic violation assessment algorithm comprise amachine learning algorithm, a rule-based algorithm, or both. In someembodiments, at least one of the autonomous or semi-autonomous landvehicles 1410 comprises the processor and the application 1420. In someembodiments, each of the autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicles1410 comprises the processor and the application 1420. In someembodiments, the platform 1400 further comprises a remote server incommunication with one or more of the autonomous or semi-autonomous landvehicles 1410 and wherein the remote server comprises the processor andthe application 1420.

In some embodiments, the platform 1400 further comprises a data storage.In some embodiments, the data storage receives and stores at least oneof the first sensed data, the second sensed data, the third sensed data,the roadway location, the driving behavior, and the traffic violation.In some embodiments, the platform 1400 further comprises a userinterface. The user interface may allow an administrative user toconfigure the database 1421 comprising roadway locations roadwayregulations. In some embodiments, the user interface is a graphic userinterface or an application programming interface. In some embodiments,the user interface allows an administrative user to configure the manneddriving assessment algorithm, the traffic violation assessmentalgorithm, or both. In some embodiments, the user interface allows theadministrative user to configure the manned driving assessment algorithmor the traffic violation assessment algorithm by uploading algorithmrules, algorithm criteria, or both. In some embodiments, the userinterface is a graphic user interface or an application programminginterface.

Platform for Monitoring Security of a Physical Location

Provided herein, per FIG. 15, is a non-limiting schematic diagram of aplatform 1500 for monitoring security of a physical location by anautonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle.

The platform 1500 may comprise a plurality of autonomous orsemi-autonomous land vehicles 1510, a server processor configured toprovide a server application 1520, and a client processor configured toprovide a client application.

Each autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle 1510 may comprise asensor 1511, an autonomous or semi-autonomous land propulsion system1513, and a communication device 1512. The sensor 1511 may be configuredto record a media. The media may correspond to the premises. In someembodiments, the media comprises video, an image, a sound, ameasurement, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one ormore sensor 1511 s comprises a camera, a video camera, a LiDAR, a RADAR,a microphone, a light sensor 1511, a tactile sensor 1511, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the communication device 1512comprises a Wi-Fi communication device 1512, a cellular communicationdevice 1512, a Bluetooth communication device 1512, a wiredcommunication device 1512, or any combination thereof.

The server application 1520 may comprise a communication module, adispatch module 1522, and a server communication module 1521. The servercommunication module 1521 may receive a monitoring request. Themonitoring request may be generated by a user. The monitoring requestmay comprise a monitoring location and a monitoring time. In someembodiments, the monitoring location comprises a residential building, acommercial building, a parking lot, a park, a sports arena, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the monitoring time comprisesa time period, a time interval, a start time, an end time, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the monitoring time is arecurring time. The dispatch module 1522 may instruct the autonomous orsemi-autonomous land propulsion system 1513 of at least one of thesemi-autonomous land vehicles 1510. The dispatch module 1522 mayinstruct the autonomous or semi-autonomous land propulsion system 1513of at least one of the semi-autonomous land vehicles 1510 based on themonitoring request. The dispatch module 1522 may instruct the autonomousor semi-autonomous land propulsion system 1513 of at least one of thesemi-autonomous land vehicles 1510 from a current location of the landvehicle 1510 to the monitoring location. The dispatch module 1522 mayinstruct the autonomous or semi-autonomous land propulsion system 1513of at least one of the semi-autonomous land vehicles 1510 from a currentlocation of the land vehicle 1510 to the monitoring location, such thatthe land vehicle 1510 is present at the monitoring location at themonitoring time. The server communication module 1521 may receive themedia via the communication device 1512.

The client application may comprise a request module 1531, a clientcommunication module 1532, and a display module 1533. The request module1531 may allow the user to generate the monitoring request. The displaymodule 1533 may display the media to the user. In some embodiments, theclient application comprises a web application, a mobile application, orany combination thereof.

In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle1510 further comprises a filter processor. At least one of the serverprocessor, the client processor, and the filter processor further maycomprise a filter database. The filter database may comprise a pluralityof media filters. The plurality of media filters may comprise a motiondetection filter, a human detection filter, a proximity detectionfilter, an encroachment detection filter, a loitering detection filter,or any combination thereof. The monitoring request may further compriseone or more of the media filters. In some embodiments, the serverapplication 1520 further comprises an assessment module. The assessmentmodule may apply a filtering algorithm to the media. The assessmentmodule may apply a filtering algorithm to the media based on the one ormore media filters. The assessment module may a filtered media. In someembodiments, the display module 1533 displays the filtered media to theuser. The filtering algorithm may comprise a machine learning algorithm,a rule-based algorithm, or both.

Terms and Definitions

As used herein, the terms “fleet” and “sub-fleet” are used to indicate anumber of land vehicles, watercraft units, aircraft units, operatingtogether or under the same ownership. In some embodiments the fleet orsub-fleet is engaged in the same activity. In some embodiments, thefleet or sub-fleet are engaged in similar activities. In someembodiments, the fleet or sub-fleet are engaged in different activities.

As used herein, the terms “autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle,”“unit,” “autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle,” “autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle fleet,” “vehicle,” and “all-terrain vehicle” areused to indicate a mobile machine capable of transporting cargo. Thevehicle may include cars, wagons, vans, unmanned motor vehicles (e.g.,tricycles, trucks, trailers, buses, etc.), unmanned railed vehicles(e.g., trains, trams, etc.), unmanned watercraft (e.g., ships, boats,ferries, landing craft, barges, rafts, etc.), aerial drones, unmannedhovercraft (air, land and water types), unmanned aircraft, and evenincluding unmanned spacecraft.

As used herein, the terms “user,” “users,” “operator,” and “fleetoperator” are used to indicate the entity that owns or is responsiblefor managing and operating the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet. As used herein, the term “customer” is used to indicate theentity that requests the services provided the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle fleet.

As used herein, the terms “provider,” “business,” “vendor,” and“third-party vendor” are used to indicate an entity that works inconcert with the fleet owner or operator to utilize the services of theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet to deliver the provider'sproduct from and or return the provider's product to the provider'splace of business or staging location.

As used herein, the terms “white label,” “white label product,” “whitelabel services,” and “white label provider” shall refer to a product orservice produced by one company (the producer) that other companies (themarketers) rebrand to make it appear as if they had made it.

As used herein, the terms “maximum speed” and “maximum speed range”shall refer to maximum speeds of which the autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle is capable of generating, and permitted, to operate within thetasked environment, such as: on open roads, bike paths, and otherenvironments where higher speeds are appropriate.

As used herein, the term “operating speed” shall refer to a full rangeof speeds within which the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle iscapable of operating, (including a full stop, or zero speed), asdetermined by the on-board sensors and software which may monitorenvironmental conditions, the operating environment, etc. to determinean appropriate speed at any given time.

As used herein, the terms “inspection” and “monitoring,” shall refer toand include the use of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles collectingdata from the environment that may be used to monitor, inspect, orevaluate any number of elements of the environment.

As used herein, the term “environment” shall refer to the physicalsurroundings or conditions in which an autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle operates; its functional habitat, geographic location,territory, domain, surroundings, environs, or conditions, includingatmospheric conditions such as rain, humidity, solar index, windconditions, barometric pressure, and the like.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “about” or“approximately” means an acceptable error for a particular value asdetermined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part onhow the value is measured or determined. In certain embodiments, theterm “about” or “approximately” means within 1, 2, 3, or 4 standarddeviations. In certain embodiments, the term “about” or “approximately”means within 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%,1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, or 0.05% of a given value or range. In certainembodiments, the term “about” or “approximately” means within 40.0 mm,30.0 mm, 20.0 mm, 10.0 mm 5.0 mm 1.0 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm,0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.1 mm of a given value or range. Incertain embodiments, the term “about” or “approximately” means within20.0 degrees, 15.0 degrees, 10.0 degrees, 9.0 degrees, 8.0 degrees, 7.0degrees, 6.0 degrees, 5.0 degrees, 4.0 degrees, 3.0 degrees, 2.0degrees, 1.0 degrees, 0.9 degrees, 0.8 degrees, 0.7 degrees, 0.6degrees, 0.5 degrees, 0.4 degrees, 0.3 degrees, 0.2 degrees, 0.1degrees, 0.09 degrees. 0.08 degrees, 0.07 degrees, 0.06 degrees, 0.05degrees, 0.04 degrees, 0.03 degrees, 0.02 degrees or 0.01 degrees of agiven value or range. In certain embodiments, the term “about” or“approximately” means within 0.1 mph, 0.2 mph, 0.3 mph, 0.4 mph, 0.5mph, 0.6 mph, 0.7 mph, 0.8 mph, 0.9 mph, 1.0 mph, 1.1 mph, 1.2 mph, 1.3mph, 1.4 mph, 1.5 mph, 1.6 mph, 1.7 mph, 1.8 mph, 1.9 mph, 2.0 mph, 3.0mph, 4.0 mph or 5.0 mph of a given value or range.

As used herein, the terms “server,” “computer server,” “central server,”“mobile server,” and “client server” indicate a computer or device on anetwork that manages the fleet resources, namely the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles.

As used herein, the term “controller” is used to indicate a device thatcontrols the transfer of data from a computer to a peripheral device andvice versa. For example, disk drives, display screens, keyboards, andprinters all require controllers. In personal computers, the controllersare often single chips. As used herein the controller is commonly usedfor managing access to components of the autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle such as the securable compartments.

As used herein a “mesh network” is a network topology in which each noderelays data for the network. All mesh nodes cooperate in thedistribution of data in the network. It may be applied to both wired andwireless networks. Wireless mesh networks may be considered a type of“Wireless ad hoc” network. Thus, wireless mesh networks are closelyrelated to Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). Although MANETs are notrestricted to a specific mesh network topology, Wireless ad hoc networksor MANETs may take any form of network topology. Mesh networks may relaymessages using either a flooding technique or a routing technique. Withrouting, the message is propagated along a path by hopping from node tonode until it reaches its destination. To ensure that all its paths areavailable, the network must allow for continuous connections and mustreconfigure itself around broken paths, using self-healing algorithmssuch as Shortest Path Bridging. Self-healing allows a routing-basednetwork to operate when a node breaks down or when a connection becomesunreliable. As a result, the network is reliable, as there is often morethan one path between a source and a destination in the network. Thisconcept may also apply to wired networks and to software interaction. Amesh network whose nodes are all connected to each other is a fullyconnected network.

As used herein, the term “module” is used to indicate a self-containedhardware component of the central server, which in turn comprisessoftware modules. In software, a module is a part of a program. Programsare composed of one or more independently developed modules that are notcombined until the program is linked. A single module may contain one orseveral routines, or sections of programs that perform a particulartask. As used herein the fleet management module comprises softwaremodules for managing various aspects and functions of the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle fleet.

As used herein, the terms “processor” and “digital processing device”are used to indicate a microprocessor or one or more central processingunits (CPUs). The CPU is the electronic circuitry within a computer thatcarries out the instructions of a computer program by performing thebasic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operationsspecified by the instructions.

In accordance with the description herein, suitable digital processingdevices include, by way of non-limiting examples, server computers,desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebookcomputers, netbook computers, netpad computers, set-top computers,handheld computers, Internet appliances, mobile smartphones, tabletcomputers, personal digital assistants, video game consoles, andvehicles. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many smartphonesare suitable for use in the system described herein. Suitable tabletcomputers include those with booklet, slate, and convertibleconfigurations, known to those of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an operatingsystem configured to perform executable instructions. The operatingsystem is, for example, software, including programs and data, whichmanages the device's hardware and provides services for execution ofapplications. Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitableserver operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD®, Linux, Apple® Mac OS X Server®, Oracle®Solaris®, WindowsServer®, and Novell® NetWare®. Those of skill in theart will recognize that suitable personal computer operating systemsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft® Windows®, Apple®Mac OS X®, UNIX®, and UNIX-like operating systems such as GNU/Linux®. Insome embodiments, the operating system is provided by cloud computing.Those of skill in the art will also recognize that suitable mobile smartphone operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Nokia®Symbian® OS, Apple® iOS®, Research In Motion® BlackBerry OS®, Google®Android®, Microsoft® Windows Phone® OS, Microsoft® Windows Mobile® OS,Linux®, and Palm® WebOS®.

In some embodiments, the device includes a storage and/or memory device.The storage and/or memory device is one or more physical apparatus usedto store data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis. In someembodiments, the device is volatile memory and requires power tomaintain stored information. In some embodiments, the device isnon-volatile memory and retains stored information when the digitalprocessing device is not powered. In some embodiments, the non-volatilememory comprises flash memory. In some embodiments, the non-volatilememory comprises dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). In someembodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises ferroelectric randomaccess memory (FRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memorycomprises phase-change random access memory (PRAM). In some embodiments,the device is a storage device including, by way of non-limitingexamples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, magnetic disk drives,magnetic tapes drives, optical disk drives, and cloud computing basedstorage. In some embodiments, the storage and/or memory device is acombination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes a display tosend visual information to a user or plurality of users. In someembodiments, the display is a cathode ray tube (CRT). In someembodiments, the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD). In someembodiments, the display is a thin film transistor liquid crystaldisplay (TFT-LCD). In some embodiments, the display is an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display. In various some embodiments, on OLEDdisplay is a passive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) or active-matrix OLED (AMOLED)display. In some embodiments, the display is a plasma display. In someembodiments, the display is a video projector. In still someembodiments, the display is a combination of devices such as thosedisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A platform for determining a real-time parkingstatus for a plurality of parking locations, the platform comprising: a)a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicles, eachautonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle comprising: (i) one or moresensors configured to collect a first sensed data corresponding to aparking location; and (ii) a communication device; and b) the platformfurther comprising a processor configured to provide an applicationcomprising: (i) a database comprising the plurality of parkinglocations; (ii) a communication module receiving the first sensed datavia the communication device; and (iii) a parking spot recognitionmodule (1) applying a parking assessment algorithm to determine thereal-time parking status of the parking location based at least on thefirst sensed data, and (2) transmitting the parking status to thedatabase.
 2. The platform of claim 1, further configured to detect aparking violation, wherein: a) the parking location is associated withat least one parking regulation; and b) the application furthercomprises a violation detection module applying a violation assessmentalgorithm to detect the parking violation based at least on the parkinglocation, the at least one parking regulation associated with theparking location, and one or more of: the first sensed data, and thereal-time parking status of the parking location.
 3. The platform ofclaim 2, further configured to identify the manned vehicle, wherein: a)the one or more sensors are further configured to collect a secondsensed data corresponding to an identification of a manned vehicleassociated with the parking location; b) the communication modulefurther receives the second sensed data via the communication device;and c) the application further comprises a vehicle identification moduleapplying a vehicle identification algorithm to identify the mannedvehicle based at least on the second sensed data.
 4. The platform ofclaim 3, wherein the processor configured to provide an applicationfurther comprises a vehicle identity identification module applying avehicle identification algorithm to identify the manned vehicle based atleast on one or more of: the license plate number, a VIN number, a make,a model, or a placard associated with the manned vehicle.
 5. Theplatform of claim 1, wherein the parking location comprises a GPScoordinate, a unique parking spot identifier, an area defined by threeor more coordinates, or any combination thereof.
 6. The platform ofclaim 2, wherein the parking regulation comprises a meter requirement, atime period, a placard or permit requirement, or any combinationthereof.
 7. The platform of claim 2, wherein the parking violationcomprises parking in an illegal spot, parking in an expired spot, anexpired parking meter, an expired parking term, a missing placard orpermit, or any combination thereof.
 8. The platform of claim 3, whereinat least one of the parking assessment algorithm and the violationassessment algorithm comprises a machine learning algorithm, arule-based algorithm, or both.
 9. The platform of claim 3, wherein thesecond sensed data corresponding to the identification of the mannedvehicle comprises a license plate number, a VIN number, a make, a model,a placard, or any combination thereof.
 10. The platform of claim 3,wherein the vehicle identification algorithm comprises a machinelearning algorithm, an optical character recognition algorithm, arule-based algorithm, or any combination thereof.
 11. The platform ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the vehicles comprise the processor andthe application.
 12. The platform of claim 1, wherein each of thevehicles comprise the processor and the application.
 13. The platform ofclaim 1, further comprising a remote server in communication with one ormore of the vehicles, wherein the remote server comprises the processorand the application.
 14. The platform of claim 3, further comprising adata storage receiving and storing at least one of the first senseddata, the second sensed data, the parking location, the parking status,the identity of the manned vehicle, and the parking violation.
 15. Theplatform of claim 2, further comprising a user interface allowing anadministrative user to configure the database comprising parkinglocations and parking regulations.
 16. The platform of claim 15, whereinthe user interface is a graphic user interface or an applicationprogramming interface.
 17. The platform of claim 3, further comprising auser interface allowing an administrative user to configure the parkingassessment algorithm, the violation assessment algorithm, the vehicleidentification algorithm, or any combination thereof.
 18. The platformof claim 17, wherein the user interface allows the administrative userto configure the parking assessment algorithm, violation assessmentalgorithm, or vehicle identification algorithm by uploading algorithmrules, algorithm criteria, or both.
 19. The platform of claim 3, furthercomprising an alerting module transmitting a notification to anenforcement agent, wherein the notification comprises at least one of:the parking location, the at least one parking regulation associatedwith the parking location, the first sensed data, the second senseddata, and the identification of the manned vehicle associated with theparking location.
 20. A platform for detecting a traffic violation by amanned vehicle at a roadway location, the platform comprising: a) aplurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicles, eachautonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle comprising: (i) one or moresensors configured to collect a first sensed data corresponding to theroadway location, a second sensed data corresponding to a behaviorassociated with the manned vehicle, and a third sensed datacorresponding to an identification of the manned vehicle; and (ii) acommunication device; and b) the platform further comprising a processorconfigured to provide an application comprising: (i) a databasecomprising a plurality of roadway locations, each roadway locationassociated with at least one roadway regulation; (ii) a communicationmodule receiving at least one of the first sensed data, the secondsensed data, and the third sensed data via the communication device;(iii) a driving behavior assessment module applying a manned drivingassessment algorithm to determine a driving behavior of the mannedvehicle associated with the roadway location, based at least on thefirst sensed data, the second sensed data, or both; (iv) a trafficviolation detection module applying a traffic violation assessmentalgorithm to detect a traffic violation associated with the mannedvehicle and the roadway location, based at least on one or more of thedriving behavior, the roadway location, the roadway regulation, thefirst sensed data, the second sensed data, and the third sensed data;and (v) an alerting module transmitting a notification to an enforcementagent, wherein the notification comprises at least one of the drivingviolation, the driving behavior, the roadway location, the roadwayregulation, the first sensed data, the second sensed data, and the thirdsensed data.
 21. The platform of claim 20, wherein the traffic violationcomprises an expired license plate, a license plate wanted by lawenforcement, an illegal turn violation, a speeding violation, a redlight violation, a stop sign violation, a yield sign violation, asignaling violation, a passing violation, a U-turn violation, a medianviolation, or any combination thereof.
 22. The platform of claim 20,wherein the roadway regulation comprises a speed regulation, a stoplightregulation, a yield regulation, a passing regulation, a U-turnregulation, a median regulation, or any combination thereof.
 23. Theplatform of claim 20, wherein at least one of the manned drivingassessment algorithm and the traffic violation assessment algorithmcomprise a machine learning algorithm, a rule-based algorithm, or both.24. The platform of claim 20, wherein the first sensed data comprises aGPS coordinate, a unique roadway identifier, an area defined by three ormore coordinates, or any combination thereof.
 25. The platform of claim20, wherein the roadway location comprises a street address, a streetname, a cross street, a parking lot, a highway, a street, a boulevard, afreeway, a tollway, a bridge, or a tunnel.
 26. The platform of claim 20,wherein the second sensed data corresponding to a behavior associatedwith the manned vehicle comprises a vehicle speed, a vehicleacceleration, a vehicle deceleration, a vehicle lane change, a vehicleturn, or any combination thereof.
 27. The platform of claim 20, whereinthe third sensed data corresponding to the identification of the mannedvehicle comprises a license plate number, a VIN number, a make, a model,a placard, or any combination thereof.
 28. The platform of claim 20,wherein at least one of the autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehiclescomprise the processor and the application.
 29. The platform of claim28, wherein each of the autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehiclescomprise the processor and the application.
 30. The platform of claim20, further comprising a remote server in communication with one or moreof the autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicles and wherein theremote server comprises the processor and the application.
 31. Theplatform of claim 20, further comprising a data storage receiving andstoring at least one of the first sensed data, the second sensed data,the third sensed data, the roadway location, the driving behavior, andthe traffic violation.
 32. The platform of claim 20, further comprisinga user interface allowing an administrative user to configure thedatabase comprising roadway locations roadway regulations.
 33. Theplatform of claim 32, wherein the user interface is a graphic userinterface or an application programming interface.
 34. The platform ofclaim 20, further comprising a user interface allowing an administrativeuser to configure the manned driving assessment algorithm, the trafficviolation assessment algorithm, or both.
 35. The platform of claim 34,wherein the user interface allows the administrative user to configurethe manned driving assessment algorithm or the traffic violationassessment algorithm by uploading algorithm rules, algorithm criteria,or both.
 36. The platform of claim 35, wherein the user interface is agraphic user interface or an application programming interface.
 37. Aplatform for monitoring security of a physical location by an autonomousor semi-autonomous land vehicle, the platform comprising: a) a pluralityof autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicles, each autonomous orsemi-autonomous land vehicle comprising: (i) a sensor configured torecord a media corresponding to the premises; (ii) an autonomous orsemi-autonomous land propulsion system; and (iii) a communicationdevice; b) a server processor configured to provide a server applicationcomprising: (i) a server communication module receiving a monitoringrequest generated by a user, wherein the monitoring request comprises amonitoring location and a monitoring time; (ii) a dispatch moduleinstructing the autonomous or semi-autonomous land propulsion system ofat least one of the semi-autonomous land vehicles based on themonitoring request; and c) a client processor configured to provide aclient application comprising: (i) a request module receiving themonitoring request from the user; (ii) a client communication modulereceiving the media via the communication device, via the servercommunication module, or both, and transmitting the monitoring requestto the server communication module; and (iii) a display moduledisplaying the media to the user.
 38. The platform of claim 37, whereinthe media comprises video, an image, a sound, a measurement, or anycombination thereof.
 39. The platform of claim 37, wherein eachautonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle further comprises a filterprocessor.
 40. The platform of claim 39, wherein at least one of theserver processor, the client processor, and the filter processor furthercomprises a filter database comprising a plurality of media filters. 41.The platform of claim 40, wherein the plurality of media filterscomprises a motion detection filter, a human detection filter, aproximity detection filter, an encroachment detection filter, aloitering detection filter, or any combination thereof.
 42. The platformof claim 40, wherein the monitoring request further comprises one ormore of the media filters.
 43. The platform of claim 42, wherein theserver application further comprises an assessment module applying afiltering algorithm to the media based on the one or more media filters,to form a filtered media.
 44. The platform of claim 43, wherein thedisplay module displays the filtered media to the user.
 45. The platformof claim 37, wherein the monitoring location comprises a residentialbuilding, a commercial building, a parking lot, a park, a sports arena,or any combination thereof.
 46. The platform of claim 37, wherein themonitoring time comprises a time period, a time interval, a start time,an end time, or any combination thereof.
 47. The platform of claim 46,wherein the monitoring time is a recurring time.
 48. The platform ofclaim 37, wherein the client application comprises a web application, amobile application, or any combination thereof.